Input needed

[bev1018 6]

Had my first appointment of 6 scheduled.. and I've had several people ask me if I'm just at that point in my life where I feel this is necessary.. some of the few people I've told feel I'm not "big enough" for the surgery. I feel miserable though and I've tried everything.. I guess I just need help relating to others at this point or something. I'm 5'1 215lbs..

[Paigetherage 7]

That's exactly what's happening with me! I'm halfway through the 6 month supervised, and have other patients in the waiting room tell me I'm not big enough, a few other family members say it too. I told them all "I'm not waiting until it's too late to get to where I want to be" .. if you're BMI is 40 then you're big enough. I'm 5'3' 237lb

[bev1018 6]

That's exactly what's happening with me! I'm halfway through the 6 month supervised, and have other patients in the waiting room tell me I'm not big enough, a few other family members say it too. I told them all "I'm not waiting until it's too late to get to where I want to be" .. if you're BMI is 40 then you're big enough. I'm 5'3' 237lb

Exactly,I want to improve my life now, I'm 26 years old and have two children that need me around. It gets quite discouraging.

[Chris Lee 43]

hello Bev1018,

Even though I am 5"8' and started my sleeve journey in Nov. 2016 I too was told you haven't tried hard enough, there are other options...don't eat, run, exercise more... always others opinions. When I was referred by my general MD after several years of trying options and processes I didnt think that I would make the cut. First in order for my insurgence to cover it I had to meet a certain BMI range, if that range was not met then I had to have second and third life conditions - high BP, liver problems, high cholesterol etc. Well I made the BMI by 1 point, and because of my BP ranging very high to very low, but never normal i was qualified. I started my 4 mandatory appts. and dietician counseling in Dec. 2016. I had my last pre-appt on 4 April and had VSG surgery on 18 April. It was rough for a bit after surgery as I had my gallbladder removed 3 days later. Now going on 5 months out its good. I also heard that by opting for surgery i was taking the easy way out... just remember none of these peopke have walked in our shoes oh wait our body and our life. If your not "as big" as other feel you should be just know that makes the process easier! Do what you need to for YOU!

Best of luck to you

Christina

[blondie66 271]

If your BMI is 40 you're big enough - I wish I had done my surgery years ago. If what you're doing was working you'd be a healthy bmi.

All the best! It's a big decision but 2 years post op and lotsa weight gone. You'd never know I had surgery by my food consumption just that I eat less.

[bev1018 6]

Literally my bmi is 39.9 so freaking close! But the doctors didn't say anything about it not being an even 40

[justgrinding 9]

I had the same feed back, almost as if being able to lead a normal life makes you not fat enough. But 6 meetings later, and seeing the many shapes and sizes on the same road, I had a reality check. I went to complete the pre op tests and I went from heavy my whole life without issues to finding out I did in fact have significant sleep apnea and high cholesterol. Although not major nor restrictive to my day to day activity, I have to wonder how many more failed diets or lose to gain roller coasters would I ride before something really bad happened to my health. I just got to a point I admitted I have never had clear control of my weight and I want to put an end to that lack of control and confidence.

[blondie66 271]

Literally my bmi is 39.9 so freaking close! But the doctors didn't say anything about it not being an even 40

Eat a muffin and have a Venti Starbucks before weigh in !! Lol

[GassyGurl 428]

Be very careful! Some insurances require you to not fall below 40, or 35 with Co morbidities. Some plans don't allow you to gain. Some people get 'stuck' on a 6 month supervised diet and can't gain or lose because of the bmi cutoff.

So, understand your insurance requirements and do what you have to do. Fishing weights, end of day appointments, drink Water, etc.

My Bariatric practice took it one step further. If I was below 35 my 1st appointment, they automatically put me on the self pay track, which required $800 at the first visit, total $18,500. Otherwise it was a $30 copay. I ended up going self pay in Florida partially because I couldn't fathom the idea of a 3 month supervised diet but having to maintain my highest weight ever.

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