Weight Requirements for Weight Loss Surgery

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I am receiving referrals for nutrition counseling prior to weight loss surgery. I have one client with questions/concerns I would like to check out with you all.

She states that she has lost considerable amounts of weight in the past and has been unable to keep the weight off. She has her mind set that weight loss surgery is the way for her to go. She is 5'7" and currently weighs approx. 278#. She states that in order to be approved for weight loss surgery, she needs to be at least 100# over desired weight. She doesn't know what number they use for desired weight. Her concern is that if she loses weight working with me, she will be less than 100# over desired weight and, therefore, not qualify for the surgery. .

I would appreciate any feedback you have regarding situations such as this. Have you worked with patient's with this concern and, if so, what has happened? Is your experience that the person needs to be at least 100# over desired weight at the time of weight loss surgery to be approved?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Widiss, RD, MFT

Registered Dietitian

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

tanyaw@...

(626) 447-0247