did you have to lose down to a certain weight BEFORE they would actually do the procedure??
@klp1972
I think most surgeons require it...And for good reason. Mine (Dr Nowzaradan) did push for me to lose as much as possible before surgery. He really just wanted me under 400 lbs. I had to wait 6 months for the surgery because I quit smoking and had to be smoke-free for 6 months before insurance would sign off on it. So, I checked in with him every month during that time. Sometimes I'd be down a few lbs and others not at all. I lost 30 right out of the gate because I quit cokes/sweet tea at the first of the year and that helped my overall loss before surgery.
I will reiterate what you said in that it is not an easy fix in the long term. Only a handful of people that are super-morbidly obese (like me or even bigger) have success outside of 5 years (the numbers are even less for those that barely qualify for surgery). I really want to be in that group that does succeed...I want to win! This surgery is a tool to help those who need it, and it should be used as such. Everything else has to come from the patient.
I wish your brother the best, but I hope he does his research before making any decisions. Holler at me anytime if you or him has any questions. 4951