The 10lb weight loss before surgery. Requirement or suggestion?

[T bonz 3]

I have a friend who is going to get the Gastric Sleeve. She was approved by her insurance, she completed her stress test, blood test, Psych test and her class. Her surgery date was scheduled for May. Her doctor refused to do the surgery because she did not lose the 10 lbs. Has anyone encountered this problem? my doctor didn't even mention the 10lbs. I thought we were having weight loss surgery because we tried everything else HELLO....... WTH I don't understand this, my doctor was very thorough with everything , but this was not an issue.Wouldn't this cause a problem with her insurance co. the second go around? because now she has to wait until she can lose the 10lbs. and she will more than likley have to do all of her test again, blood test, psych. test stress test etc. which will cost her insurance and they may deny her the 2nd time around.This has made her very very sad and her doctor knows she has problems with her legs and knees which makes it very difficult for her to exercise. I just think her doctor is being rediculous. What do you all think? very interested in hearing your thoughts.Thanks

[leahkayy 7]

I had to do a preop diet beforehand so I could reduce my fatty liver. I know a bunch of people on here did as well. My doctor also said that its sorta to prove that you're in it for the long run if you're able to loose beforehand.

[dogbonedowd 1]

I also had to lose 10lbs b4 surgery. It is a liguid diet for 2 wks. And yes your doc wants to know if you are committed to losing weight.

[deaddemmama 474]

I had to do liquids for two weeks to reduce my liver and to get me used to diet changes. No lb. Requirement but I lost twenty no problem.

[lirri 40]

I didn't have to lose weight before surgery. Though I know some surgeons require it and some insurance companies do as well. I ended up losing weight before surgery though just in diet changes.

[mylynn1377 93]

I'm doing my preop diet now. liquids and sf Jello for 2 weeks prior. No lb requirement specifically, but I figure to shoot for at least 10 lbs lost which seems to be what most doctors want. It's mostly to shrink the liver, to keep you from gaining weight, or to prove that you can commit to something this life changing.

[T bonz 3]

Thanks everyone, I will let my friend know. However, she has given up because she didn't lose the 10lbs she did lose 7lbs and now her doctor cancelled her surgery. She will probably have to start over, but she says her insurance probably wont pay for all the test again. I really think she should try another doctor.

[Jeepchick42 193]

Thanks everyone' date=' I will let my friend know. However, she has given up because she didn't lose the 10lbs she did lose 7lbs and now her doctor cancelled her surgery. She will probably have to start over, but she says her insurance probably wont pay for all the test again. I really think she should try another doctor.[/quote']

I don't know how long your friend has been going through this process but usually insurance companies will take testing that has been done within a year. Some people have had their testing done six months ago but for whatever reason (work, surgical process) couldn't have it done right away. Also if she has been approved for surgery the approval is usually for a span of time. Every insurance company is different on their time limits but I would tell her not to give up so easily. She should check with her drs office and insurance before throwing in the towel.