Hi. Although I have been stalking the forums for about a month, this is my first post. I've decided that I want to go through with VSG, but I'm not sure how to proceed. I went to my PCP for the initial visit today and my BMI was 49. I have Blue Care Network (MI) and they don't require the six month supervised weight loss if you have a BMI of over 50. I've been through all of the weight loss programs and fad diets so I know that I am capable of losing weight in six months, but my doctor hinted that I could gain the six pounds (though not his official opinion) or I could start with the weight loss program. I both feel that I want to just skip what I already know that I can do and that it would be helpful to more slowly transition to what will become my new lifestyle. I'd appreciate any thoughts about this.

-John

I say go for the 6 lbs and enjoy!!! Beats waiting 6 months like I had to do. Good luck!!!

I would gain the six pounds in a heart beat!

you can easily go up 5-6 pounds in a week, and then lose it. I would totally do that and save yourself time. good luck!

Yes, I wouldn't suggest it if you had to gain a significant amount of weight but six pounds vs. six months? That's an easy choice!

~Cheri

Go get a chocolate cake, pizza and a 2 liter and have fun. That should fix you up. All those carbs should easily swell you up 5-10# for a few days. I wouldn't wait the six months either if it were that easy. But do be warned, no matter how much you have read here, you are never completely prepared for it when it happens. So if you need some time to get your emotional house in order, do the diet. It took me 9 months and it was still a shock.

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Thanks for the responses! I will definitely have to think about it - there are two Bariatric centers in my area (Ann Arbor, MI), The University of Michigan and a Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti. The U requires the six months in the last two years regardless of what insurance requires. I don't know much about the Barix clinic, but I will post something to see if anyone has gone there. I am still leaning towards a week or two of weight gain or slamming a gallon of water before weighing in.

The water sounds like a better idea than the gain weight, just don't throw up LOL I would definitely research both places and their surgeons before making your final decision. Good luck!

Put a couple of weights in your pockets or strap some to your ankles the first time you go see the bariatric surgeon. That should take care of it.

Put 6 pounds of something in your shirt. That's what I did several years ago at a consult before I found out my insurance didn't pay for it & had to put it off. The doc I went & seen didn't even require me to take my jacket off to weigh so it was easy.

Drink the water and stuff your pockets with weights. Maybe the weighted wrist bands.