Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

what makes someone looks unhealthy after WLS?



Recommended Posts

No you are not to thin. I was 228 on day of surgery at 5'4".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

As a male, I am 5'7 and weighed 250. I was sleeved three months ago, October 7, 2013. I now weight 170, down 80 pounds. If the surgery wasn't right for you, the surgeon wouldn't be doing it. Also, sometime people around the individual that had the weight loss surgery may view someone as being to thin or this or that just plain out because they are so used to seeing that person in a heavier form. The surgery is the best thing I have ever done. I am currently below doctors goal weight at three months out and have 5 more pounds till I reach my personal goal weight. You will be fine :-) no worries! First pic is day of surgery, second pic is current.

Sleeved three month ago, October 7, 2013

Start weight: 250

Current Weight: 170

post-178999-0-40872200-1388938876_thumb.jpg

post-178999-0-28403700-1388938884_thumb.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm loving this thread. .all the info is greatly appreciated..I know my family means well, but their fear is realllly starting to make me feel. I will look unhealthy and sickely if I weight about 140-150lbs..but I'm sticking with my decision. And pray that everything goes well. Also I don't end up looking unhealthy. .they are the type to say "I told you".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started out at a size , tight, 18/20 and now (almost 11 weeks later) in a loose 14. Whenever I say something about being overweight or wanting to lose another 61lbs people look at me like im nuts. That would put me in a comfortable size 7. It's been about 12-13 years but I look great in a size 7. When I was 18-20 years Old I was a size 4... people would tell me I was too skinny often they looked worried. Now, when i tell people that at xxx lbs lost would put me at a 7 they say, oh! Like it's a surprise. I think people were so used to seeing me fat and now that I look normal they just dont realize just how fat I was until I show them a picture. Then they're blown away. As for getting to a certain weight or size it really depends on the person. Some women at my hight (5'5) look beautiful at a size 4, but I (used to) have a very athletic body type, I was never willowy, bigger boned I guess and a 4 was just to skinny for me. It's very subjective. I agree with the posters above. I'll continue to follow my plan and take care of myself. I'll continue to monitor my progress in pictures because I have body dysmorphia. If "strangers" start saying I'm too skinny I'll reevaluate. Because the people close to me have dysmorphia too when it comes to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 5'3". Do I look unhealthy yet? :D

you look awesome! Great job

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

5'4" on day of surgery. 233. Can't wait to worry about this...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am sure there is a point we all go through where we may not look totally healthy. Or bodies need time to adjust to what they are going through. I have lost around 65lbs so far and, at times, I look bad. My hair is terrible (not just due to surgery but other factors) so I started wearing a wig. With the wig I need to wear make up or I think I look weird..So I actually look better now to others, but when I am home and "undone" I look horrible. It is all perspective. I still have over 100lbs to lose to reach "goal" so who knows what stages my body will go through. Ultimately all I care is I am healthy so let others have their opinions...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i get a lot of this ..... you arent big enough for weight loss surgery. what should i wait until i have a heart attack. im tired of explaining to people that i have other serious co morbidities that i need to do this for. obviously my insurance company thought i needed this, they approved me on the 1 st attempt and it took them less than a day to approve it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i get a lot of this ..... you arent big enough for weight loss surgery. what should i wait until i have a heart attack. im tired of explaining to people that i have other serious co morbidities that i need to do this for. obviously my insurance company thought i needed this, they approved me on the 1 st attempt and it took them less than a day to approve it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

attachicon.gif12.13beforeafter.jpg

I'm 5'3". Do I look unhealthy yet? :D

Girl you did that! LOL!

You look fantastic.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have enjoyed reading all of the responses on here. This too was a question I pondered, along with my family. I discussed my concerns with my surgical team while deciding on what surgery to have. One of the benefits of the sleeve is not experiencing some of the malabsorption other WLS can. For me, I was worried about looking tired, sickly, and saggy. While we can't predict what the body will do with weight loss, drinking Water, working out and getting in Protein does a lot to help with the physical part of how our bodies look and respond to weight loss. In making my decision I had to weigh my pros and cons, and ultimately weighing less and having more energy to take better care of myself outweighed the what ifs of what my body may look like. Thanks for posting, this was a great thread!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After I had lost about half the weight I wanted to lose, people started telling me I was looking unhealthy? I lost it in my face first. I think it was because they we're used to me at that weight. Funny now that I have reached my goal rarely hear that anymore! I think maybe I've evened out a bit. Whatever weight you feel healthy with is the right one for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i get a lot of this ..... you arent big enough for weight loss surgery. what should i wait until i have a heart attack. im tired of explaining to people that i have other serious co morbidities that i need to do this for. obviously my insurance company thought i needed this, they approved me on the 1 st attempt and it took them less than a day to approve it!

Everyone says that to me, including one of the aides in the surgeon's office (wtf, right?). Just because I carry the weight better than others doesn't mean I want to stay a size 22 and die of a heart attack at age 50. Ignore those haters and keep on keeping on :) we can do this!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

re14768..... I am 5'4'' also, with a starting weight of 235. 2 weeks post op today and down to 201.6 If your surgeon is willing to do it, the he does not think you are too "thin" for WLS. Remember, it's your body, your health, and your decision. Do what you need to do to get healthy and happy. Shut the door on negative nellies.....good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

attachicon.gif12.13beforeafter.jpg

I'm 5'3". Do I look unhealthy yet? :D

You look fantastic! You were beautiful in your before picture and absolutely stunning in your after. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BabySpoons

      Sometimes reading the posts here make me wonder if some people just weren't mentally ready for WLS and needed more time with the bariatric team psychiatrist. Complaining about the limited drink/food choices early on... blah..blah...blah. The living to eat mentality really needs to go and be replaced with eating to live. JS
      · 2 replies
      1. Bypass2Freedom

        We have to remember that everyone moves at their own pace. For some it may be harder to adjust, people may have other factors at play that feed into the unhealthy relationship with food e.g. eating disorders, trauma. I'd hope those who you are referring to address this outside of this forum, with a professional.


        This is a place to feel safe to vent, seek advice, hopefully without judgement.


        Compassion goes a long way :)

      2. BabySpoons

        Seems it would be more compassionate not to perform a WLS on someone until they are mentally ready for it. Unless of course they are on death's door...

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×