hennagirl

I have a BMI of 35. I'm 5'9" and weigh in at 233. I have had lots of my co-workers (which are also ER nurses) tell me I don't need the surgery. Mind you these girls have BMI's of 22-24. So at 44 I have adopted the attitude of I really don't care what you think. It is my body, my health, my need to be around for my three girls.
My surgery is scheduled for 06/07/16. I am nervous but feel so blessed to be able to do this. I lost my mom at the age of 49 to a brain tumor and my dad to a cancer called Liposarcoma, which means it arose from his fat cells., at the age of 57. So as I creep closer to these ages I want to be as healthy as I can.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My BMI day of surgery was 35. I've chosen not to tell a lot of people about it, because I hate the reaction I've had when I mentioned thinking about surgery in the past. People think it's taking the lazy way out, or being vain, etc. The reality is that I have tried everything else to lose weight to no avail. I am scared about my physical health and the impact on my self-esteem. When people comment on my weight loss my response will be that I lost weight by eating a lot less. That's not a lie, so I feel good about it.

I was sleeved a little over 11 months ago at around 36 BMI. I told close family and a few friends who all knew of my lifelong struggle and were all very supportive. My mother, I think, was the most concerned because it's an elective surgery compared to my previous ACL reconstruction surgeries, which were necessary operations.
The first week is the worst and the next four are tough, but not insurmountable. Being that I was young (24) and on the smaller end of the spectrum heading in, I only needed to stay on my pain meds for a week and after 10 days, I was back to sleeping in my bed again. (I'd been sleeping on the couch downstairs, after discovering it was the most comfortable.)
I hit my goal weight yesterday and can honestly say that my lifestyle has not changed in terms of where I can eat and whether the smaller portions are really noticeable. Everyone not in the know generally chalks up my mostly-empty plate to Portion Control and it being the reason I've lost weight. My social life is better and I'm healthier.
My doc said to me long ago that he wishes people came to him at my age and size before everything spiraled and while they had the chance to get decades of enjoyment out of it. Best of luck to you all!

I am starting at BMI of 36. I am scheduled for surgery next week. I haven't told many people because I get the " you aren't fat enough for surgery". So I am not telling many more people. They don't know my struggles, about the $5000 a year cost in medications that are for weight related issues. I am so happy to find other low BMIers on here and see similar problems! I can't wait to post before and after pictures!

Hi Curt, I am also in Southern Oregon, just starting the journey with Southern oregon Bariatrics. I am meeting with dr street this week, hoping to be posting my before and after success story soon!