Low BMI to Start - Anyone Else?

[ATeam 38]

Hey everyone! This is my first post in the forum! Where to start? I am 26 years old, with a BMI around 29 or 30. To look at me you wouldn't think I am obese or anything, just overweight. I grew up as an obese child and have since lost 50 lbs, but keep on putting back the same 10, 20, 30 lbs back on my body. ITs so frustrating. To lose I feel that I basically need to starve myself and I gain back so quickly. Even though I'm only 26, I bet I have gained and lost 250 lbs over the course of my life! I have been dieting since I was 9, and thoughts of my weight, food, and how my clothes will fit consume my thoughts everyday. I feel as if I am insane sometimes. I can literaly gain and lose 20 lbs in a month. I can't imagine what I'm doing to my body, and I just can't diet anymore.

I am consdering getting the VS survery. My dad had it as a severely obese man and is doing amazingly, but I am afraid to talk to my parents about it. I know they think I am not overweight enough. Has anyone else been in this situation? I know I'm ready, and I want to better myself and my life. I know this will just be a vicious cycle that will continue for the rest of my life. I need some guidance and thoughts.

Thanks so much, and I look forward to getting to know some of you!

[weho 103]

A BMI of 20 or 30? Really? A BMI of 20 puts you at a completely normal weight. 30 is obese. So there is quite a gap between the two. My surgeon won't even consider performing vsg surgery unless you are at least 35 bmi, or lower in the case of revision from lapband to sleeve. I know all surgeons are different. I understand your frustration with gaining and losing the same weight over and over again. Keep doing your research regarding BMI, and maybe try a consultation with a bariatric surgeon. I think that will give you a little more insight. Good luck in your journey.

[ATeam 38]

A BMI of 20 or 30? Really? A BMI of 20 puts you at a completely normal weight. 30 is obese. So there is quite a gap between the two. My surgeon won't even consider performing vsg surgery unless you are at least 35 bmi, or lower in the case of revision from lapband to sleeve. I know all surgeons are different. I understand your frustration with gaining and losing the same weight over and over again. Keep doing your research regarding BMI, and maybe try a consultation with a bariatric surgeon. I think that will give you a little more insight. Good luck in your journey.

OOPS!! I meant 29 or 30! Edited.

[k__ 3]

I think there are some other options for people with lower BMI's who are looking for a physical way to restrict their food intake. You may want to do a little more research. I investigated something called the gastric balloon. I was told it was for people that didn't have that much weight to loose. It looks to be about as non-invasive a procedure as would be possible. Just a thought.

[ATeam 38]

I think there are some other options for people with lower BMI's who are looking for a physical way to restrict their food intake. You may want to do a little more research. I investigated something called the gastric balloon. I was told it was for people that didn't have that much weight to loose. It looks to be about as non-invasive a procedure as would be possible. Just a thought.

I have heard about the balloon, but I feel that this is just like going on another diet, as its not permanent. How many times have we all made the "lifestyle changes" required of us, only to crash and burn amd start right back where we were?

[itscometothis 12]

Hi.. I had a bmi of around 33 when I had vsg. I looked into the balloon as well but was basically told that the intent of it was moreso to help people who need to lose weight quickly to have another surgery, like a hip replacement. I was told that the weight would more than likely find it's way back home..lol That is just what my surgeon told me, so don't take my word for it.. research for yourself

My good friend and I went to Mexico to have our surgeries because we didn't qualify in Canada and the expense would have been too high anyways. Also, her bmi was lower than mine. She was 5 foot 2 and her weight was 180.

Hope this helps

I have heard about the balloon, but I feel that this is just like going on another diet, as its not permanent. How many times have we all made the "lifestyle changes" required of us, only to crash and burn amd start right back where we were?

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I applaud your desire to get control of your problem with your weight at such a young age. . It sounds like you definitely have problems with how you relate to food - and since your father is/was obese also, there may be food issues in your family dynamics. Have you thought about working with a counselor and focusing on changing your behaviors? Finding out why you have been dieting and gain and losing since age 9? The sleeve is a great tool for helping obese people lose weight - but for those of us with significant problems with how we relate to food - it isn't the magic wand that solves all of our problems. We also have to find out why we abused food, and find other ways to cope when food is no longer there as our emotional crutch.

I am not trying to talk you out of pursuing the sleeve - I just think there are other things you could focus on, that if you get in control, might make the sleeve not necessary.

Good Luck.

[LiLi 4]

I was considering the sleeve and also have a relatively low BMI of 32. I was about three weeks away from surgery when I had a realization of what I would be doing to my body. I know an overwhelming majority of people have no problems at all, but what if I was the "1" who did. With a BMI that isn't totally out of control, I have decided to commit to Weight Watchers and exercise. I'm giving myself a year to turn this weight thing around. If I can't do it, then I'll reconsider surgery. If I am successful without surgery, we're planning on taking the family to Hawaii for a fabulous vacation with the money I would have spent on surgery. I'm way more excited and committed and motivated to succeed! Good luck to you with whatever decision you make. You have to do what's right for you. I'm still on the forum because I know surgery is still an option -- just one I hope to avoid.

[vegaslaw 2]

Not judging, but I don't think ANYONE begins with a BMI of 45 or 50. I am guessing that other methods of weight loss are tried before this point. At some point, after NUMEROUS failed attempts, the weight just gets out of control. The FDA recently approved Lap Band for patients for BMI's of 30 (Perhaps with comorbids? not sure). In essence, it seemed like a better idea to help people with a genuine weight issue SOONER rather than LATER. I am at a lower BMI as well (admittedly, a bit higher than 30). I have been overweight since I was 7 or 8, with various doctor and self interventions. Making this decision is HARD, and from what I have researched, it recovery is HARDER. As long as you know that this is not a quick fix or use this as a way to lose those last few pounds before a special event, I say GO FOR IT!!! If this is a decision to just avoid dieting and exercise, the long timers will tell you IT DOESN'T WORK!!! It looks like the only way to TRULY lose weight with the sleeve, after the inital weight loss, it with diet and exercise (go figure lol). Otherwise, you WILL gain the weight back, and the next surgery will have to be MORE drastic; you've already removed 90% of your stomach. JMHO, and GOOD LUCK!!!!

[jenni_867 14]

I have a low bmi of 31. I'm going in for VSG on November 3rd with Dr. Kelly in Mexico. Do your research and do what you feel is best. I'm very short, and have gained and lost the same 50 pounds with every diet out there. I researched it for a year and all the surgeons out there. Only you will know if the surgery is right for you. Good luck!

[weho 103]

Ok, the 29/30 bmi makes more sense. I won't be judgemental and tell you not to consider surgery with your lower bmi. As others have said, if you go to Mexico I think that you could qualify for the surgery. Just do you homework! Good luck to you!

[minniekitty 44]

With a BMI of 29/30, I think your best bet is to look to Mexico and self-pay. There are some fantastic surgeons there (and I'm the patient of one of them). I'm pretty sure for the VSG the minimum BMI is 35 or 40 with most insurance companies here in the United States.

I started with a relatively lower BMI of 38 (not that close to yours, though), and I'm also younger- 23 years old. I was sleeved 2 months ago and I've been very successful! Just look at the ticker on my signature

Overall, it's a personal decision, and only you can know what's best for your body! Good luck with whatever path you choose

[Felicia 28]

My BMI starting was 38. I am 26 yrs old and have been overweight almost my entire life. I have been in the 300's and I have been in the 180's and all the numbers in-between. My surgeon put me on a liquid Protein diet on Sept. 26th and he said I will lose a lot of weight. I still don't have a surgery date yet and I have no idea when it might be, the weight loss office thinks it should be really soon. As soon as I'm done with the pre-op stuff. He mentioned that many people lose so much weight that they ultimately decide to opt-out of the surgery. I WILL NOT be one of those people. Even if my surgery isn't until early next year.

I always gain my weight back, I feel like I need a fresh start with a stomach that isn't all super stretched out and able to take in massive amounts of food at a time. Even if my BMI is 30 I will get the surgery. I know in my heart this is the right decision for me. It's the ending of a horrible "fat girl/unhealthy" journey and the start of a new "skinny me/healthy" journey. Knowing that in the end I will get this surgery is helping me to succeed more too.

I too agree that you should prolly go to Mexico to have it done since you will most likely be qualified there. Do what you think you should. When I was 16 I wanted gastric bypass and my whole family laughed in my face. They said I would be laughed out of the office cuz I wasn't fat enough. My dad simply told me put down the fork and pick up the weights. Yeah well here I am 26 years old and still struggling with my weight. Guess parents don't always know best.

Most people also don't look at me and think I am obese but I think I am lol. I hate the way I look in clothes, I don't even like looking in the mirror anymore. I have a closet full of clothes ranging from 14-24. Since I have had my daughter in 09 I have really put myself aside to focus on her. Well now she is two and I am ready to do something for me. Something that will make me better on the inside and out. This surgery isn't the answer for everyone. Make sure you research research research lol.

[LadyIvy 159]

If I only had a BMI of 30 I wouldn't consider surgery at this point. This surgery is permanent and carries risks of complications that may not be worth it at a BMI of 30. It changes your body permanently, but don't think it is a magic fix. You still have to do the dieting and exercise you would have to do with any normal program. You can also stretch out your pouch and gain that weight right back. Part of your journey should include seeing a nutritionist and a therapist. The nutritionist might be able to give you an idea of how to eat less and be less hungry (like eating more protein). The therapist can help you with why you keep gaining it all back, when you seem to have the ability to lose. If all else fails, consult with a surgeon. Good luck to you. I have lost and gained a lot of weight repeatedly as well. I know you are probably at your wits end!

[wannasleeve 10]

You really have to do what you think is right for you. I know my weight issues started in my early 20's, when I got married and stop being active and that roller coaster ride with the weight is awful. I am "slightly older" than you :-), but serioulsy I felt the same way just so drained from my weight being a constant issue on my mind every single day.

I did this too be healthy now, wish they would have had it when I was younger because I missed a lot of years just living, because of my weight. In your heart and head you know what is going to make you happy. It is a risk, life is full of them. I pray and leave it God's hands, but I wanted off the roller coaster of weight gain.

Good luck I hope everything works out. My BMI was 34 and it was way lower post baby, but I gained the weight back and didn't want to start that all over again.

Hey everyone! This is my first post in the forum! Where to start? I am 26 years old, with a BMI around 29 or 30. To look at me you wouldn't think I am obese or anything, just overweight. I grew up as an obese child and have since lost 50 lbs, but keep on putting back the same 10, 20, 30 lbs back on my body. ITs so frustrating. To lose I feel that I basically need to starve myself and I gain back so quickly. Even though I'm only 26, I bet I have gained and lost 250 lbs over the course of my life! I have been dieting since I was 9, and thoughts of my weight, food, and how my clothes will fit consume my thoughts everyday. I feel as if I am insane sometimes. I can literaly gain and lose 20 lbs in a month. I can't imagine what I'm doing to my body, and I just can't diet anymore.

I am consdering getting the VS survery. My dad had it as a severely obese man and is doing amazingly, but I am afraid to talk to my parents about it. I know they think I am not overweight enough. Has anyone else been in this situation? I know I'm ready, and I want to better myself and my life. I know this will just be a vicious cycle that will continue for the rest of my life. I need some guidance and thoughts.

Thanks so much, and I look forward to getting to know some of you!