LeanMeanFightinMachine

I have been worried about the same thing. My BMI is 39.5 at surgeon consult. I was advised to not lose, and if I did happen to gain 7 lbs I'd be at a 40 BMI. I have BCBS and am worried with comorbidities of patella femoral syndrome (bad knees) PCOS, past slipped discs in lower back, fibromyalgia, (so I'm told) degenerative discs in neck, arthritis... But no diabetes, high blood pressure, or any of the main criteria that the insurance company thinks are valid. I met my deductible, have my last nutritional appt. Dec 2nd. Theoretically, I could have surgery in December if all stars align and I am shined favorably upon..... Am I a terrible person for wanting to carb load to make weight?! And if I do isn't there a criteria of having morbid obesity for 2 years? What's morbid? Ugh... F*#+* ing insurance company criteria is morbid I say... ;-/ feeling frustrated and worried.

Blood work back says I have hpilori infection, two weeks of antibiotics should clear it up. Ick! No wonder I have heartburn! I have my third nutrition appointment in a week, scheduling my psychological exam, but nothing seems to be coming forth from docs office regarding requirements. I wonder when they send to get approval from insurance? Any idea?

@bailey Ikr?! I looked at mine and said well, she's thick, not thin has the kind of Botticelli looking thing going for her. However, adding the joint pain, back pain, cellulite and depression she looks less happy in my opinion.

Here is my virtual depiction. I kinda like it!

I have just completed day of education at the hospital and had a chat with my surgeon about the sleeve being a better option for me. I feel a little uncomfortable with the idea of the band. I worry about slippage, the fact that it is a foreign body and the complications around that. I originally planned for band because it seemed less invasive and reversible. However, researching the sleeve it has its own side effects that are concerning heartburn, dumping,etc but the surgeon thinks I am an excellent candidate for it. I guess I need to look more into why that is. Any feedback to quash my hesitations?

Minnesotan who just received recommendation for sleeve. I have finished the day long educational, labs, met my surgeon, and have my second nutrition appointment this week. I thought about the band but it seems like the sleeve is more of a natural choice for me.

Anyone have a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome and have any success with lapband or other weight loss procedures?

@SophiasMommy1 I'm 5'1 and can tell you, I have been that tired, very recently.... It is frustrating. Don't be discouraged, you are already winning. Look forward to your goal. Nothing can detour you, you are evaluating and taking action. You can do this, you can wait and appeal that insurance company if need be. You have most likely tried many other things to get here to this point, this is just the last leg of the race. You can do this.

I think I'm beginning to like this morning check in to the bandsters bantering. I do see how annoying it is, and was, in our recent history the focus on premade, processed, microwavable, etc. Its frustrating to have the concentration on high fat, high salt, processed foods displayed in all its high definition, juices dripping glory everywhere you look. The same food that if eaten the way they are marketed lead to major health issues and death. I just saw a Popeyes & Dairy Queen commercial and was sick looking at the Fat Baskets they offered on tv. Where's the Veggies guys?!? However, that being said we as a society are growing educated, it is getting better. The focus on obesity is here. I have stayed away from fast food for the last 5-6 years, only indulging on road trips and I see McDonalds lists calories on their meals now! I was amazed. They're offering apples etc, I believe in my mind those items, processed foods, pop, Mickeys D's, are something that is not a staple diet, something or someplace for convenience and cooking is meant to be done at home. ( can you hear this idealism?) Everything in moderation, no extremism is how I roll. My problem is three big squares a day, I eat each meal as if its my last, and carbs. We all know what to do, sometimes you just have to b***h to feel better right?

@ ErinSue Let me tell you a little story... I knew a man who for years made those types of comments. He told his daughter continuously that it's "willpower, " "commitment," "all in your mind", or worse personal "weakness"and all other kinds of ignorant bullshit commentary. This guy told his sister in law every Christmas when seeing her eat how she should check out the vegetable tray, and complemented his niece on her wedding day ( same woman's daughter) on her small frame as guaranteed future happiness for her husband. Total jerk this guy, years later this guy found out he had a hyper thyroid. Weight loss was easy for HIM. He did find it to be incredible that other people had difficulty as he had to eat continuously and still maintained his weight. My point with this long story (that should have been shorter) is those people aren't you. They may not truly understand. Your happiness, your success is all you need to concern yourself with. As I am finding out, there are lots of people who do understand and will support you through the journey.

I'm now experiencing heartburn with many foods at this heightened weight. I'm wondering if its a symptom of weight gain or age?

@Missy I wasn't aware there was anymore to add to profile. I signed up on my phone. Where do I go to add it?

@ Floridays Great quote and advice!

Thanks all for the words. Yes!!! I would love to try on clothes without the pulling, sweating, swearing, and ultimate depression that ensues. Oh, to put on a t-shirt and jeans-& an awesome piece of jewelry and concentrate on something other than my weight that day. It would be fantastic I bet. Haven't had the experience since childhood. I am going forward!

Hello! I'm glad to see this topic on here as I've been struggling with the issue, among the others in my contemplating of banding. I am 5.1" and now over 200lbs. I carry my weight very well, (all over stocky type figure) and have been told repeatedly how I " don't look that heavy." My mother has had the surgery and it helped her a great deal. My conditions include fibromyalgia, degenerative discs in neck, back and a previous lower back injury. My knees have always been a problem even at a low weight. I have BMI at 36. It's right at that level where people say, you aren't heavy enough to consider this option, but as someone who has fought the mighty wave of weight gain since early childhood I disagree. I have been gaining since after the birth of my child and had a hysterectomy in 2010. Since then, it's been almost impossible to lose a pound. I have tried every diet, weight loss idea on planet earth. I am still always consistently 50lbs+ overweight which is obese. I believe it's a matter if time before more serious health problems. Am I to wait for that? Any thoughts or encouragement is appreciated.