Not big enough for WLS?

[Lorainsatx 31]

It's such a difficult decision to make, but it's your decision to make. I heard the "you're not big enough" line from everyone, but they didn't see me naked! I was on the small side with a bmi of 34.8, but getting bigger every year. I'm 65 years old, 5'1" and weighed in at 184. 7 months later, I weigh 135 and my bmi is 25.5. I thank God everyday for this wonderful gift that has made me a healthier and happier person. Good luck to you.

hi Lilijo! I am 67 years old 5'4. 212 lbs. I hope to join you at the 135 mark in a few months!

[I will what I want 271]

I have to admit I am guility of thinking (while I have been at the info meetings or followups or even reading posts)-- why are they having surgery? I always thought it is all a lot to go through if you have 100lbs to lose since you will liekly max out losing 60-70% of your excess body weight. I was over 570 at one point and 60-70 does not seem to be enough to warrant having surgery, especially RNY. It took me 3 years to admit I had to do this so, it boggled my mind why somone less than 1/2 my weight would put themselves through this. But, after reading all your posts I see your side and realize weight loss is all relative. And I do not think anyone who hasn't resorted to having surgery (especially those who would never need it) can understand it at all.

Wow Heather! Thanks for your transparency. In regards to the 60 to 70% excess body weight

- that is based on a pretty low BMI - often 22 (although my surgeon used an even lower BMI to

calculate my excess weight) so even at only 70% loss I will get to a bmi of around 25 - and I would be thrilled with that result - it's officially in the normal weight range. I hope you are doing well and Thanks for adding your perspective!

[tammie30 43]

Well hello, I'm tammie. I'm 5'1 247 lbs bmi of 46.7 ... Yikes I qualify for the surgery and I'm done with all these appts I just have my surgeon appt the 4tf hopefully I'll get a surgery date.. I have hypertension, chronic joint pains specially my back and my ankles ... Triglycerides ( high ) pre diabetic.. So it's all there and in the mix. I'm from NY Health First is my insurance .. Super nervous .. Anyone has encouraging words for me ? All I can think about is being approved ..

Hi Tammie! I have almost identical problems with a BMI of only 36.4. I was approved in less than a week by Humana. I think they are all easing up on their requirements. It is however nerve wracking to wait for their decision. My surgery date is June 10 th and I am beyond excited. Keep in touch!

AHHHH so lucky lol.. I have Health First .. My bmi is 46.7 as mentioned up there .. Let's see fingers crossed ..

[Jersrose43 837]

I told my boss she was adamant against it. Unfortunately for her the corporate hr handles my STD

I hear from her I can excercise

My friends think why can't Zumba help me

And the newest hey you started a Protein shake a day and you've lost a few pounds? Keep going you'll be fine!

I don't think I will be

I am a quick gratification person. I am sorry I am and I give up on diets because I see little to no movement and then gain what I lost plus some.

[lilijo 187]

It's such a difficult decision to make, but it's your decision to make. I heard the "you're not big enough" line from everyone, but they didn't see me naked! I was on the small side with a bmi of 34.8, but getting bigger every year. I'm 65 years old, 5'1" and weighed in at 184. 7 months later, I weigh 135 and my bmi is 25.5. I thank God everyday for this wonderful gift that has made me a healthier and happier person. Good luck to you.

hi Lilijo! I am 67 years old 5'4. 212 lbs. I hope to join you at the 135 mark in a few months!

Hi Lorainsatx! Good luck with your surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions and you'll do great!

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

After months of tormenting myself over making a decision I finally decided to move ahead with VSG. Everyone is supportive. I just started telling the friends I trust and while they are supportive and encouraging, they also respond with "but you're not that big!" I'm tall so it's easy to hide my 240 pounds but really, I wear a size 3x and I'm sick of it. My BMI is just over 35 but I have severe sleep apnea so my insurance will cover it and I qualify. My OSA is so bad that my machine is at such a high pressure I have to tape my mouth shut with medical tape. I am moving forward and my friends are supportive, especially after I tell them how much I weigh and the sleep apnea part, but it's weird because I've always heard how big I am, now I'm too small? I am trying to be rational about this....the benefits outweigh risks etc etc. I guess I was surprised at how shocked they were that I'd go the WLS route. I would love some reassurance from people who have similar stats to me - or know people who do - that at the end of the day they are happy with WLS. I also have to admit to that part of my thinking that says maybe if I just try one more time.......(like that will ever work). Again, my friends and family are supportive. It's just their shocked reaction that's got me...

I am 5'4", and weighed 230 last year. I hid it rather well also, but the bottom line is when the clothes come off and we drag around almost an extra 100 lbs it takes a toll on us. Add in the diabetes, HBP, asthma, knee replacement (which kept me from exercising or walking), my age of 67, neuropathy, and I was a DISASTER. I feel like a teenager again (almost) until I look in the mirror. No one knows my husband and I were sleeved. Not their business. It was tough enough taking this drastic step, and we sure did not need opinions of others. Hugs everyone!

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Yep, I heard a lot of that too and it even came from the hubby and my daughter.....I know how uncomfortable I was in my own skin, they did not. At 5'4", i showed the extra weight even though it was equitably distributed. It just wasn't possible to get any taller so my only option was to get rid of the weight. I'm down 50 pounds and wearing a size 14 dress, 16 pants (US sizes) down from a 3X and size 22. I feel better, I look better, I sleep better....life is just better. Okay..the hair loss is a pain in the ass but y'all keep telling me its temporary so I believe you and know I can deal with anything that is temporary. It's just so scary wondering if I'm going to end up bald, since my hair is sooo thin now and I'm only 4 months out. Anyway, each of us has to endure our own personal struggles and as well meaning as some of those comments may be....they have no idea of the pain we go through so...it is just best to make our own decisions and not listen to the noise coming from our loved ones.

[jesabuck30 16]

I am 5'5 and my weight on Feb 4 2014 at first appt at WLS center was 263 with a BMI of 43. I went on the table at 255 April 8 2014! I heard from anyone who I told that I wasn't that big and what kind of surgeon would allow you to have RYGB? I simply told them I was 110+ lbs over weight and classified as morbidly obese and therefore I would be a fool to pass up on such a valuable tool that I was able to receive! Today I will be 8 wks on Tuesday and have lost a total of 48 lbs so far and all the haters that bad mouthed what I was doing are now my biggest fans, go figure!

[I will what I want 271]

I've been paying close attention to how my body feels these last few days as a way to stay rationale about this decision to get the VGS. What I've noticed is that I feel physically horrible. Everything hurts...constantly. I guess I've been blocking it out. I've also been noticing how I don't want to clean my house because it's so hard to get under things and move around etc. By the time I make dinner and then clean up I'm wasted for the rest of the night. (Husband has to get kids into bed even :-( ) Ga! What a horrible way to live. This was really just an experiment to see how my body felt, aside from the emotional stuff, so I could be objective and wow...did that seal the deal for me. Can't wait to get this done and get on with a healthy life without pain. Again, everyone's comments have been so very helpful. Thanks All!

[peteyrulz 82]

There's more of us than I thought! I'm another tall "carrys it well"-er.

My stepmother insists this pending surgery is way too drastic. Hellooo....I'm 57; if I haven't lost it by now I highly doubt I ever will. The other day she said to me,

"why don't you just cut back on your eating?"

*hits self in head, V8 style.*

OMG! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT??!!!!!

[peteyrulz 82]

There's more of us than I thought! I'm another tall "carrys it well"-er.

My stepmother insists this pending surgery is way too drastic. Hellooo....I'm 57; if I haven't lost it by now I highly doubt I ever will. The other day she said to me,

"why don't you just cut back on your eating?"

*hits self in head, V8 style.*

OMG! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT??!!!!!

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

There's more of us than I thought! I'm another tall "carrys it well"-er.

My stepmother insists this pending surgery is way too drastic. Hellooo....I'm 57; if I haven't lost it by now I highly doubt I ever will. The other day she said to me,

"why don't you just cut back on your eating?"

*hits self in head, V8 style.*

OMG! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT??!!!!!

I love this! If you are like me I am tired of a lifetime of cutting back on my eating, I have bought weight loss pill junk off the Internet, my husband paid $10,000 to Optifast (2 two year liquid plans), and my entire family has paid Weight Watchers for several years of their advertising costs in our lifetime. Finally, many years late, my husband are no longer FAT. I would so do this again. In a heartbeat! Good luck!

[Lorainsatx 31]

There's more of us than I thought! I'm another tall "carrys it well"-er. My stepmother insists this pending surgery is way too drastic. Hellooo....I'm 57; if I haven't lost it by now I highly doubt I ever will. The other day she said to me,"why don't you just cut back on your eating?"*hits self in head, V8 style.*OMG! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT??!!!!!

Love your sense of humor because.....Come on .... We have to laugh ! People really think they are helping when they suggest..... Maybe if you join a gym... I have such bad foot and ankle pain I can hardly walk ! Look forward to being 135 lbs and active again!

[I will what I want 271]

This is not amusing. This "light weight" just could not fit on a ride at Great America Amusement Park. Granted it was in the little

Kids area, but embarrassing none the less. I swear there were linebackers that fit. I guess even if you "wear it well," 240 pounds is still 240 pounds. This surgery can't come too soon for me. As always, thanks for everyone's support.

[I will what I want 271]

I am waiting for my surgery date and was looking back through my posts/threads in anticipation. I didn't reply to everyone on this thread AND I want to make sure each and everyone knows how much I appreciate your responses. I went window shopping for size 12 a couple of days ago for inspiration and it was really fun. Thanks again!