below BMI of 35 @ time of surgery

[LillianneMcBeth 1]

Hi - I have something that I'm not clear about. They say you must have a min. BMI of 35 to have the VSG. However between the prescribed weight loss (8-10 lbs.) & the weight I will lose on the re-surg liquid diet, I will be well under a BMI of 35.

Will this cause any problems or does it just matter that I was a BMI of 37 when I started the whole process? Thanks for any feedback !!

[Lizzy0827 11]

I think it may depend on your insurance and doctor. I was 36.8 when I started the program with my doc and 33.3 on day of surgery. I asked the question at my first appointment and was told they go off of you original weight (first appointment). It's definitely something you should ask up front. I am now 2 months out and my bmi is 29.5....overweight but not obese : ). I was concerned about having a lower bmi and having surgery....but now 2 months out, I am so glad I did it. Good luck!

[LillianneMcBeth 1]

thanks so much for your reply.

While I'm writing I thought I might ask another question....when i have the surgery my husband is taking 3 days off, hopefull leading into a weekend, so I'll have 5 days to rest. After that however, I am on my own in caring for our 3 y.o. twins. I am being unrealistic in thinking i can do that? My mom was scheduled to come but she was in an accident & broke her pelvis, so that's out. any thoughts? Thanks in advance !!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,553]

I started off right at the 40 BMI, and asked that question. I was concerned that with the pre-op diet I would fall under. My doctor stated that they go with the initial weigh-in when you started the process. I am now at a 36.2 BMI. My surgery is not for another 6 weeks, but he says I will be fine.

[Caroline G 25]

My doctor told me the same thing--they go by the initial weight, and they did. Otherwise, I would not have been able to do it. I am 4 months post-op now.