I know where you're coming from. My bmi is 36 and I've heard many times "you're not that big". I've struggled to lose weight for the last 14 years. I don't feel good about myself, I have no energy, my blood pressure is high. .. I have many reasons for wanting to do this. With a bmi of 36 my insurance approved my surgery in 2 weeks. I have all my preop stuff scheduled for Dec. 30th. If you are certain this is what you want, don't let anyone talk you out of it. You know how you feel and what you want. Best of luck to you!