Too Small For Surgery

[FOXYLADYA 4]

I had my first appointment yesterday. I had my mind set on the gastric sleeve. I have had success with diets in the past but I am never able to keep the weight off it just keeps coming back with a little more added. I am 5'3" and weigh 231 lbs now. I saw the nutrition who thinks that this is too drastic a measure since I have had some measure of success in the past. Now I am confused. I don't have any weight related issues yet and don't want to get any which is one of the reason that I wanted to start this journey. I forgot to mention that I have never gotten below 185. She also stated that I will probably gain the weight back, and that I'm really not that big. I am willing to work hard and know that this isn't a magic pill. I have been reading the post hear and think that everyone gives great advice. Please tell me what you think. Thanks

[Recycled 2,182]

OK, this is a easy one.

If you're sure this is what you want........then

Go to a different Nutritionists.

[della street 213]

@@FOXYLADYA Agree -- get a second nutritionist opinion--was this nutritionist associated w/a bariatric surgeon? Because your BMI is about 40 or so, which 'counts' in most bariatric guidelines I've seen --

[laurashelby 8]

I agree.....go see someone else. I was actually worried when I approached my GP about doing this (I'm scheduled for surgery on Jan. 20) thinking she would say it was too drastic for me. But we talked a lot about it and agreed that even though my BMI is only 35 (which is considered Obese) I actually DO have health related issues, Type 2, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My next appointment was with the surgeon that she recommended. Have you seen a surgeon yet? He was the one who sent me to the dietician and we were all onboard at that point.

[Cody's mom 247]

Go to Mexico!

[amazon 579]

I agree with everyone...if you want it then pursue it. I was a "light weight". My surgeon said "you only have 86 lbs to loose, but that's NOT insignificant", then recommended the sleeve vs. the bypass.

Your BMI is 40.9. I don't see why the NUT would discourage you from surgery.

You know what's right for you. Don't let one nutritionist stop you.

Good luck!

[Mavic 37]

You need a new person for sure. I'm 5'2 and was 225lbs when approved for surgery and then 213 at surgery day. I too thought I cant lose anymore or they won't operate on me. This is not the case. Your BMI and health issues are what determine it.

Nutritionist wants you to eat right and of course you will lose weight. People like us who have struggled all our life with weight issues find this so hard.

I tried everything. This was by far my best decision. I'm under 200lbs now and haven't been like this in over 15 years and I was just sleeved two weeks ago!!! Best decision ever!! The future is bright!! ????☀️????☀️

[txfirefly979 21]

@@FOXYLADYA I am in a similar situation. friends, family and even ob-gyn keep telling me that "you're not fat!" or "you can do it with diet and exercise" but what they dont understand is the hour and daily struggle to know that you've tried it all and without any progress, you NEED help. (or at least that's the point where I'm at!)

admitting you need help is a healthy thing (and first step towards real progress)! Stay positive and like the other commenters, I would find another nutritionist and/or see a bariatric surgeon who could recommend a nutritionist perhaps more familiar with WLS. Best of luck!

Edited January 8, 2015 by txfirefly979

[SeahawksFan 444]

I would try another nutritionist or surgeon. My BMI was only 31 and I had it done. I only had sleep apnea and some heartburn. It's totally up to you on if you tell friends and family but I decided not to because I didn't want to hear that I didn't need to do it. It's my life. I was tired of yo yo dieting and I know there's no guarantee that I will keep it off but I am going to give it my best shot.

Good luck-

Lorie

[Sleeve101 72]

I agree with everyone above!

I'm 5'6" and weighed 220 when I got my sleeve on Nov 20th. My insurance wouldn't cover it for another year, so I went to Mexico and had it done.

I'm now 185! It's amazing!

Although I was barely above a BMI of 36, I was miserable and in really bad shape medically and physically. I decided I wanted it and no one was going to tell me different. To be honest, My post op surgery experience was not what I expected - it was pretty tough, but well worth it!

I feel so much better physically - and just looking better has changed my whole perspective in life. I'm not going to sit at home and eat myself to death - I'm getting out and living it up!!!

Everyday I feel better and better! Praise God!!! :-)

[Sleeve101 72]

Oh and the first thing I'm buying this Spring - A PAIR OF WHITE JEANS!!!! :-D

Finally I'll be able to wear white jeans!!!

[RedSalamander 148]

Totally agree with all of the above! My BMI is 35ish and I am having surgery in 6 days--my only comorbidity is sleep apnea, which was diagnosed through the process of being approved. And as far as regaining the weight, that was a crappy thing for her to say! She obviously isn't attached to a bariatric program--you will probably have much more success with seeing one who is (they sort of have a vested interest in encouraging you to have the surgery, right?)

Good luck!

[BitterSweet* 835]

I'd also suggest going to another nutritionist, but that is not always an option. You would definitely fare better with one that is a member of a bariatric team.

If you can't go to a different one, please keep in mind that it's not her job to determine if you can have surgery. It's her job to educate you and determine if you can be compliant with food journaling, exercising, and that you fully understand how to be successful with nutrition after surgery. That's it.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

You are "morbidly obese" according to the BMI scale. Y'aren't too small for surgery, I promise you.

[FOXYLADYA 4]

Thanks everyone for all of your replies it does make me feel better. She is part of the surgery team. I saw the surgeon first then the nutritionist. He didn't say that I would not be a good candidate. He in fact said I would feel so much better after losing the first 40lbs. I guess you guys are right i just needed to hear this from others that know my struggle. My PCP was definitely all for it as she has been with me through a lot of my ups and downs. Thanks, as of right now I'm forging ahead. You guys are the best.