Am I big enough?

[amyecpa 33]

Hi Everyone. This is my first post and I must say what an inspiration everyone is. I've researched and I'm definitely considering VSG. I'm just having feelings of guilt. I weigh about 199lbs and I am 5'4". So big, but not so big. I would be an out-of-pocket payee, so money is also an issue. I am 37 yo so I've tried a lot of things. What I guess I'm struggling with is "Did I try hard enough?". Is it selfish for me to be putting myself at risk and spending this money on myself instead of just eating better and exercising more? I don't have any comorbidities (yet) so is this just vanity??????? So torn :-(

[OKSleever 144]

Only you know if you tried hard enough. I certainly wish I'd tried harder. It's not that I'm not happy with the results from my sleeve, but I am six months out and still struggling with the finality of my decision and will always wonder what if I had given it one more real try.

You're going to hear a lot of people disagree with me and say it was the best thing they ever did and they wish they'd done it sooner, etc. I'm not saying any of them are wrong but please remember they're looking at it from the perspective of having already made the choice; they can't go back and make a different decision. Bottom line: you can always get the surgery later if you're unsure; you can never undo what's been done.

[MetroDetroitChic 86]

Unfortunately, I think only you can know that. I can tell you that I have gained/lost 50+ lbs three times in my life, gaining it back every time. I am 36, about to be 37. My BMI is 40.

I know that I have been unsuccessful losing weight without this tool. I am of the opinion that the only way for me to live the life I want to live is by going through this procedure. (And by want, I mean knees that don't hurt, fitting onto roller coaters, running after my nephews, going on hikes.) For me the vast majority is lifestyle... I will not lie, the idea of being a potential size six isn't bad either!

I hope you find peace with a decision (either way) very soon!

[1SuperBonBon 221]

Hmmmm that is a tough one! Your BMI is 34.2. What has your past history been with dieting and exercise? How long have you been at this weight? Has your weight been steadily going up over the years?

I am not sleeved yet (Otober 22nd), but from what I read on here from other is that this is just tool and you really need to be ready to commit to the life changes.

I guess I would just think about what your history has been with weight loss and keeping it off. Only you can decide what you are ready for and what is right for you.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Bonnie

[Stacey Nicole 40]

If you would like your insurance to pay for it you will first need to find out what they require your BMI to be. Without any comorbidities my insurance (BCBS) required a BMI of 40.

[J.Diesel 220]

Only you can answer if your big enough for this surgery. You need to do all the research needed for you to be both mentally and physically ready for this journey.

your BMI is 34.2 and your range (Obese Class I (Moderately obese)). I have BCBS and the requirement was >40.

[TBodmer71 245]

please keep in mind that people that have been sleeved still had to change their diets and exercise in order to achieve the best possible results. If you are looking for a quick fix, weight loss surgery is not the way to go. The sleeve is just a tool to help us reach and maintain our goals. Diet and exercise is still and will always be part of the routine.

Only you can decide what is best for you. My suggestion would be is to take the time to do as much research as possible. While you are doing that, start watching what you eat and move a little more each day. I was down 38 lbs from the time I started this journey until the morning of my surgery, If you are still on the fence continue your research.

Best of luck to you.

[Richard Foor 655]

As the others have already said only you can know how hard you have tried and no one can predict the future to know how you will do either if you have the surgery or continue trying on your own. I personally have been very successful with this surgery but still would not wish to have had it any sooner in life because I needed to be properly prepared to make the life changes that lead to my success, and only you can know if you are properly prepared to make the necessary changes. I believe the surgery is a useful tool for anyone at any stage of there life if they are properly ready for it. Good Luck in making your decision, and in the coming journey either way.

[SerendipityHappens 1,594]

I tolerate my weight extremely well. At 40 years old I had no co-morbidities with a BMI of 60... so for me 199 would NOT be big enough for surgery. There are others who do not tolerate excess weight so well and for them, surgery may be an option. If your obesity is primarily stacked up around your middle and if you ARE trying to lose and struggling. then MAYBE... it's not about how hard you've tried, I'm sure you've tried countless times and failed just like the rest of us... it's about the benefits vs the risks.. For ME personally, at 199, No, the benefit of the surgery would NOT outweigh the risks.. but if you have a family history of weight related issues, or are prediabetic, etc.. then I'd consider it.