I'm applying to get the lap band, and the information packet I received mentions having to lose 10% of my current weight in order to qualify for the surgery. Has anyone else had to do that? If so, were you successful? I'm really scared and intimidated about having to lose weight before being accepted (after all, I'm applying for the surgery because of my inability to lose and maintain weight!). I'd love to hear other stories. Thanks.:smile2:

No, I didn't have to lose weight prior to surgery, but being on the pre-op diet helped me to lose about 14 pounds, which was about 5% of my body weight. I was only on the pre-op high Protein low carb (30 grams of carbs) for 10 days. Had I done it longer, I would have lost even more.

It can be done if you put your mind to it and think about what the rewards will be. A high protein low carb (like Atkins Phase I) isn't too hard to do, if you can stay away from breads, white rice, Pasta, white potatoes and other starchy foods. Let me tell you, I had a lot of big thick juicy steaks during my preop diet. My hubby loved it!

its different for everyone, but I had to loose 35 lbs pre surgery. I had lost 38 by the day of surgery.

Good luck

Thank you both. It seems if I do get the green light to go ahead, the dr I chose requires that I lose 20 pounds. The only trouble is that I will be below 35 BMI if I do. I guess I have to just see what happens.

My insurance required me to lose 10% before getting qualified. That was 47lbs for me. It took me about 5 months of using Slim-Fast and I did it. It wasn't easy by any means but it was well worth it.

My surgeon requires a loss of 10% of excess body weight before surgery...which shouldn't be too hard as I have to see my family dr once a month for 6 months for diet follow up before surgery, insurance requirement. Good luck!

My insurance is requiring me to do a 3 month diet before being approved.