My husband and I were told we'd have to lose weight before the surgery. My goal is 10 pounds, and his is 30. We're both a little nervous for different reasons.

My weight has been ballooning back and forth between 220 to 240 for a while now. I'm afraid I'll lose the 10 or a little more than 10, and they'll cancel my surgery because "I can do it on my own" when I can't. The nurse already told me to watch how much I lose.

My husband is afraid that he won't lose any of the 30, and that he won't get his surgery. He's worse off than me, talking about giving up because he'll never lose what they want him to. I'm trying to keep him going, but I'm not sure what happens if he doesn't lose the amount the surgeon wants him to. Do they really cancel you or does it give them even more of a reason to want to grant you the surgery if you can't lose the little amount of weight that they ask for?

Thanks in advance. Reading through these forums has been a big help so far.

I'm really suprised the nurse would say something like that. The pre-surgery loss is to shrink your liver and make it easier for the surgeon to band you. I was at 250 and 231 when I was banded. It is important to shrink the liver as much as possible. I don't think they will cancel if your paperwork shows your weight loss history and your ups and downs. I seen a lot of people post on here who felt the same way though. I guess it is a natural fear. My fear was due to my heart condition but it turned out ok and I am happier than I have ever been. Keep your chin up and keep us posted.

Thanks. :thumbup: Yes, I was surprised to hear the nurse tell me that, but she's aware of the insurance I have, and they are sticklers about paying for the procedure and visits if you lose more than your initial goal weight because, according to the nurse, it just shows to them that you can lose weight without surgery.

I suppose I should have nothing to worry about as my doctor said that I should have no problems getting approved after all the initial testing is done considering my health problems and history. I'm really worried about my husband though if he really does need to lose 30 pounds before surgery. I keep reminding him that he has 5 months to do it in, but he's still depressed about gaining a little back after Thanksgiving.