?gastric bypass?

Is there are point in losing weight if you're about to get the surgery anyway? I mean you'll lose plenty of weight afterward, and if you can lose 18 lbs before then it kind of makes one wonder why you are getting the surgery.

Bariatric surgeons often require patients to follow a restrictive diet before gastric bypass surgery to help them lose weight. When the surgeon performs the procedure laparoscopically, a minimally invasive approach through small abdominal incisions using a tiny videocamera and special instruments, preoperative weight loss shrinks the liver and permits easier access to the operative site. Losing just 15 pounds reduces the time spent in the operating room as well as the time needed to recover. A review of the records of 881 gastric bypass patients at a large bariatric who underwent a six-month preoperative program between 2002 and 2006 revealed that those who lost at least 10 percent of their excess body weight experienced fewer complications than those who lost less weight preoperatively, according to a December 2009 article published in "Archives of Surgery."

Hi Becky, and welcome! The poster has a great point. Look around the boards and you'll find quite a few active members that have manged to loose over 100 pounds by using My fitness pal. Be sure and give it a fair shot before you go for surgery. Regardless of your decision, good luck and best wishes.....

Losing weight prior to having gastric bypass also reduces the fat on your liver which makes the procedure easier for the surgeon!

I had the surgery in 2008 and do not regret it for a single minute. The key to remember is it's a tool, not a cure. You need to take it very seriously and remember that it's a major surgery, not something to take lightly. I lost and gained 100 pounds twice before resorting to gastric bypass. My heart couldn't take much more of the yo-yoing and having a bp of 210/150, I was a walking stroke waiting to happen.

Today I'm physically fit. I ran my first half-marathon last September. I'm nursing a heel spur, but I plan on running a full marathon in 2013. I'll always need support when it comes to eating, which is why I rely on friends and a local support group - even 3 1/2 years out.

By no means did I simply jump on the gastric bypass band wagon. Even after I was accepted for surgery, I gave it one more shot. I lost 120 pounds and gained 140 pounds. I went through the process for surgery again. In all, it took me 8 years to get my surgery. IF this is what you feel is best for you, and you've weighed the pros and cons, and you've tried pretty much everything under the sun without success... Congratulations for doing what's best for you and good luck!

My husband had that surgery 7 years ago and never looked back. Best thing he ever did for himself and he said he would do it again in a heart beat!
Good luck and have a great journey!

I wish you the best, whatever you decide. Either way takes a life long commitment to succeed. Surgery doesn't work for those who aren't committed. I have a friend who had it, lost 75 pounds, then decided she'd rather eat big. Now she's bigger than ever.

I'm always reminding myself that the pleasures of food last for the moment, but the side effects are constant. Good luck!

I sent you a friend request. You are in a good place to start your journey, the peeps on here are AWESOME!! Accountability and support is what makes it really effective, In My Opinion.