Too much pre-op weightloss?

[meganrae<3 14]

I've started my 6 month monitored diet with my doctor. She put me on phentermine, and said it'll look good to the insurance that I'm trying one more thing. I need to lose 29 lbs in 6 months to be eligible for surgery. I'm a little over 2 weeks into my 6 month monitored diet, and as of this morning I've lost 25 lbs (holy sh*t). So my question is, can I lose too much weight to qualify for surgery? Should I keep in mind to keep my bmi around 40? This phentermine is making me shed pounds like wild fire. But I'm worried that it's working too good?

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[KristenLe 5,980]

I've started my 6 month monitored diet with my doctor. She put me on phentermine, and said it'll look good to the insurance that I'm trying one more thing. I need to lose 29 lbs in 6 months to be eligible for surgery. I'm a little over 2 weeks into my 6 month monitored diet, and as of this morning I've lost 25 lbs (holy sh*t). So my question is, can I lose too much weight to qualify for surgery? Should I keep in mind to keep my bmi around 40? This phentermine is making me shed pounds like wild fire. But I'm worried that it's working too good?

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I would think you could risk not having insurance approve if you lose too much weight. They could day you can lose weight without surgery. I'm surprised your Dr prescribed Phentermine knowing that the weight loss success is temporary. The best thing you can do during this 6 months is learn how to eat post-op , deal with any emotional eating issues or bad eating habits. I would caution you in losing too much pre-surgery.

[meganrae<3 14]

I've started my 6 month monitored diet with my doctor. She put me on phentermine, and said it'll look good to the insurance that I'm trying one more thing. I need to lose 29 lbs in 6 months to be eligible for surgery. I'm a little over 2 weeks into my 6 month monitored diet, and as of this morning I've lost 25 lbs (holy sh*t). So my question is, can I lose too much weight to qualify for surgery? Should I keep in mind to keep my bmi around 40? This phentermine is making me shed pounds like wild fire. But I'm worried that it's working too good?

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I would think you could risk not having insurance approve if you lose too much weight. They could day you can lose weight without surgery. I'm surprised your Dr prescribed Phentermine knowing that the weight loss success is temporary. The best thing you can do during this 6 months is learn how to eat post-op , deal with any emotional eating issues or bad eating habits. I would caution you in losing too much pre-surgery.

Well this sure has me worried!

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[KristenLe 5,980]

Sorry! Some insurances indicate failing a 6 month supervised diet. It will all depend on your insurance plan requirements, surgeon and BMI/Comorbities.

[Amurillo04 109]

I would definitely try not to pass the 40 BMI at the very least because you may run the chance of being denied.

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[Missbeauty16 51]

I'm only 2 months in and I've lost 40lbs already!! I did it naturally without any pills!!! I'm actually almost done with my visits but my BMI is higher than your so it wouldn't matter if I lost another 30 lbs. but that defeats the purpose I think in order for your mind and body to be prepared I believe having a certain amount of calories per day and exercise. Exercise is the key here. I used to take phentermine and my doctors have told me it's bad for the heart. Remember it is all in the mind. I would suggest maybe maintaining your weight cause if you loose to much and BMI is lower than 35 they may deny it just depending on your case.

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Edited July 18, 2016 by Missbeauty16

[anniebanana 167]

It all gets very confusing. My surgeon didn't require a weight loss. My NUT told me that I should still try. My program coordinator warned me not to get below a 35 BMI. I'm not sure if it's the same with other programs.

[Icantbelieveit 955]

I would come off the drug and learn to eat, exercise and drink plenty. Even if you gain 5lbs before your next weigh in, it'll still be a great loss. First 10lbs is Water and goes quick off you. But I would definitely get off the drug.

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[Missbeauty16 51]

I would definitely would recommend exercising and eating healthy before having surgery, it mentally prepares you for what's to come. Remember your body is going to go through a dramatic change. So it's only better to have your mind and body prepared. This is my personal perspective.

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[SusieT 43]

I was told that insurance (mine is BCBS) would use my original weight from my first visit to the Bariatric Team. Other post-op patients told me it didn't matter whether I lost during the 6 months or not. I was really trying and lost 32 lbs during the 6 mo, (16 lbs the first mo) but started regaining as soon as I went off the 1200 cal/day regimen. I think if your starting BMI qualifies you, you should be ok. I agree with getting off the drug. Kinda surprised your GP put you on it for this...?

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[bac2u 41]

My doctor flat out told me that if I lost more than 24 pounds during my six month period I would be denied by my insurance. I've lost 6 so far.

[kmorri 1,689]

Different insurance plans have different requirements....it's important that you know what your's specifically requires....call them and ask for all the requirements for WLS be sent to you in writing......You don't want surprises down the road.

Good luck to you!

[CNOEL3 117]

Ya... phentermine made me drop hellllla weight super fast, and I only was able to keep it off for about 1 month. Lol. I couldn't afford the pills anymore and within like 1 month I had gained all of it back. So I don't mean to sound like a debbie downer, but even though you are losing weight quickly now, there is are big chance you will gain some of it back before the end of your 6 months. Which may be a good thing, to show that you have tried everything.

P.s. I really hope this response didn't sound like I'm doubting you or anything. Its just hard to put into words. I wish you all the luck in getting approved!!!

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[Colcandoit 0]

Wow! What is your dosage of phentermine? They put me on 30mg but I'm only losing 5lbs per month.

Did you change your diet significantly or exercise plan?

I watch my diet but exercise is pretty much limited to the pool due to pain.

I need to lose 10 more pounds before I can see the doctor and schedule surgery.

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[meganrae<3 14]

Wow! What is your dosage of phentermine? They put me on 30mg but I'm only losing 5lbs per month.

Did you change your diet significantly or exercise plan?

I watch my diet but exercise is pretty much limited to the pool due to pain.

I need to lose 10 more pounds before I can see the doctor and schedule surgery.

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I'm on 37.5mg and it's kicking my butt. I'm trying to eat better but it's hard. Like, I'm making very healthy choices, but it's hard to eat as much as I need to because food is nauseating. Friday all I ate was a serving of salami, a serving of cheese, and a cup of watermelon, all day. When I don't eat enough I don't exercise. It's difficult, I'll meal plan my whole day, then when it comes to eating it, it makes me want to gag. The only time I even think about eating is when I start getting sharp hunger pains in my stomach. I know this isn't healthy weightloss:(

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