I got a letter today - and I am starting through the process - I am a tad excited. My appt with the dietitian and psychologist is in a few weeks. But I have a questions for all you who have gone before me....

I need to go through a 12 week Professionally-Supervised Weight Loss Program - supervised by a registered dietitian, PCP, nurse practitioner, or behavioral health counselor. Now the hospital that I am going to offers a program - but I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on programs.

also - I know from reading all of you have lost weight prior to surgery due to the diet programs they make you go through in preperation for the surgery - this is silly but what if you are "too" successful and you loose weight - can they say - see this is all you need to do......

thanks for your wisdom....

Helena

Hi hford,

Your lucky to have to go through only 12-weeks of a supervised diet. My Health insurance insist on 6 months. I've lost a few pounds so far, but as to what I understand, it is expected and okay. I suppose they want to see if you are capable of following a diet plan, sticking with it. The weight loss will help when you eventually when you have the surgery. Also keep in mind that any kind of surgery is risky. Therefore, if you can lose the weight and keep it off through diet and exercise, then thats more desirable.

Prebander

Hi hford, welcome, I to had to follow a six month program. My Dr wanted a 10% weightloss prior to surgery, this shows you are serious about your dedication to being banded. An gets you in better shape for surgery. I worked with a nutritionist and she was fantastic, be honest with all your weaknesses, there are good tricks and advise to help you with them. I am scheduled to be banded on 3/14/07.

Hi Helena,

I also went thru a 6 month supervised diet program connected with the hospital I went to and it was good to have the diet and all the tests done by the bariatric center. It was very convenient and I developed a good working relationship with the staff. The diet was kind of a formality for insurance purposes but I did lose close to 10 pounds so that was good.

I don't think you have to worry about losing too much - it just shows you are serious about doing what it takes and will use the band as tool.

I'm envious of you only having a 12 week diet - it took me 9 months to get all my pre-op testing done. (hectic life) I felt like I was having a baby but just like a pregnancy, the results will be totally worth the wait. The surgery was no big deal at all.

Good luck to you!!

Smilliegal