My BMI is 34. Anyone out there that had this lower bmi before surgery? Are you willing to share your banding experience. Sure would help me out!

My BMI was a 35. I have had a hard time losing but I feel it is worth it for me. I was banded in April and I have lost 24 pounds and have had three fills and one unfill. If I hadn't done this I would have continued to gain weight and feel bad about myself. I now feel I am in control just need to work to get to my goal.

I'll tell you next week!

My bmi was higher, but under 40. I am 5' 4 and a half" and was at 229 going into surgery. But I am one of those people that wishes I had done something sooner. I spent 9 years dieting myself from 160 to 190, back and forth, and the next 5 to go to 230. I wish I would have had the chance to make a permanent change downward before it affected my health. I am not even 40 yrs old (yet, but soon) and have Metabolic syndrome...high cholesterol, borderline high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. All are related to weight and poor diet choices, with a smidgen of heriditary involved. Makes me feel bad and puts me at the highest risk for heart disease,,,,,,,,,,,didnt hit that category until I was over 200. So consider all aspects of your health before you do something as drastic as surgery. There are possible complications. That said, I wish had stopped the downward (upward) spiral pounds ago.

My BMI was 34 and I had my surgery done with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. It was the BEST medical experience I have ever had.

I weighed 233 (I am 5'10") when I began the pre-diet liquid phase, 224 the day of surgery on September 29, 2005. I lost an additional 15 lbs before I had my first (and only) fill on November 14. In the last three weeks I have lost another 8 pounds. The scale has been teasing me for the last few days and it refuses to drop another 2 pounds to allow me to weigh in at 199. I don't think I will need another fill anytime soon.

I start each day with a 200 calorie Protein Shake that I drink on the way to work. Four hours later I slowly eat a healthy lunch (generally grilled Protein and a salad) and at night I have a cup of Soup and sugar-free Jello. Sometimes I do over-indulge with holiday treats. I work out 4-5 times a week. 45 minutes cardio, 30 minutes weight and floor work. I stretch daily.

When I was in Mexico the night before my surgery I wrote a contract with myself. Many, many times I have tried to get my weight and my life under control and every time I have failed and beat myself up for it. I decided this time it was going to be different. I was spending $10k to make a life change, and I was going to succeed.

I am sure most will think this is silly, but I bought a silver band from a street vendor. I then read my contract aloud to myself and made the commitment tangible by sealing the contract by slipping the ring onto my right hand ring finger. Everytime I look at the ring I realize I have made a commitment for life.

My husband, family and friends have been very supportive. I have not had a single problem with the procedure, the band, food or poop. I know I am lucky. I feel this has been the best decision I have made in 15 years.

Do your research, think hard about the long-term implications, and if you make the financial and physical commitment to change your life, make sure your head is ready for it as well.

I am happy to chat with you about any questions you might have.

Wishing you the best-

Anu

I think mine was 36. I considered having the surgery done 2 years ago when it was 33 and waited for many reasons. I also am losing slower than I would like but I'm not gaining and I am healthier than I have been in years.

This was the best thing I ever did for me!! Good luck making your decision. Celeste