i just read through most of the thread on 'what BMI is too large to be banded" and I have to say, while there were some encouraging posts in there, I only saw posts from people who had like a BMI of 55 or so. I have a BMI of more than 60. My handy BMI wheel they gave me doesn't go past 60.....anyway, RNY and the sleeve are NOT an option for me. I mentally just can't cut something up. The band seems more my style. I like the idea of it being reversible if weight loss doesn't happen...but I am afraid that I am too large and it's not going to work for me at all.

I haven't yet had my consult, that isn't happening until mid-April, but I was hoping that there were other people out there who not only had more than just 200 pounds to lose but were successful at keeping some of it off. I am not looking to get skinny. i would be the happiest person on the earth if i weighted 250-275 pounds. right now, that seems like a far off dream....

also, i am not interested in losing weight really super fast, i know this is a slow and steady wins the race kinda thing, so i am mentally prepared. I am more curious if i could feel restriction at my size at all.

anyway, just thought i would ask. thanks in advance for your calming words of wisdom

Would love to see what the program is all about...

Banded 8/20/2012 - Heaviest: 512 - Current: 461

Would love to see what the program is all about...

Banded 8/20/2012 - Heaviest: 512 - Current: 461

Good morning CCornell87,

I am glad to share with you my program and help you break out of the prison your body has placed you in. I am selecting two people to work with that have a BMI in the 60+ (just as I did and my sister). If you would like to work with me please send me a direct/private message with your email address and we will go from there. I am not trying to sell anything. I look forward to hearing from you : ) We got this!

Hope in your Future is Power in your Present!

Lee

OK then...

Wow I wish I'd seen this thread months ago.

Granted I still have a ways to go until I'm at goal, but when I had Lap Band surgery I was 421 pounds with a BMI of 72.

Now, 8 months later, I have lost 143 pounds (and still losing). I am 278 pounds with a BMI of 47.

Don't let anyone tell you just because you have a high BMI the band won't help you. If you're willing to do the work and use the band as the tool it's meant to be, you can have great success with the band.

I am so glad I found this bit of the forum. My highest was 401 in March. I'm now at 385. My surgical consult is next week and as I have been following all my insurance protocols, I hope I don't have long to wait.

I feel very selfishly grumpy at those who are starting kind of near my goal. I would truly love to get under 200! I haven't been there in 22 years.

Also thanks to those who have posted about their ongoing successes!

Hello I'm new I too have a bmi above 60. Mines 62. I'm looking forward to starting this journey and have lots of questions. I'm nervous about getting approved and having anxiety about it. This group seems to be super quiet. I hope to get to know some folks.

Hi Karie,

I gave to agree this board doesn't get much action. My BMI is 64---anything over 60 means I have to get cardiac clearence before the surgery. Since I have arthritis in my right knee, they are going to have to chemically "stress" my heart. Ugh!

Yeah I got a letter Friday saying I need cardiac and pulmonary clearance. Which I found kinda weird because I just had surgery in June and they weren't concerned then. But oh well I will jump through what ever hoops I have to get this done.

when i had surgery, my bmi as 61

so you not alone

My BMI was 71.5...

My surgery day bmi was 69. Almost 3 weeks post op now. Love how I am feeling.

i am now at at 52 or 51

but each day we get better:)

hang in there

My BMI was 78.8 when i started and it's now 59.2.

Like Mis73 said, don't let anyone tell you the band won't help you. I have a long way to go but I am living proof this does work as long as you understand the band doesn't do it all alone. It is merely a tool and for it to work you have to make a commitment and learn how to work with it.

and one more thing

it doesnt matter if you start out at 400 or 500 or 200 or 300

as long as you start (making yourself well with the band by eating better foods and gradually start moving (like me), it doesnt matter how long it takes to get to your goal either.

we are all different

so start

begin

and never look back (the past is gone)

we have today. so make it count

My BMI was 78.8 when i started and it's now 59.2.

Like Mis73 said, don't let anyone tell you the band won't help you. I have a long way to go but I am living proof this does work as long as you understand the band doesn't do it all alone. It is merely a tool and for it to work you have to make a commitment and learn how to work with it.

Also wanted to add that I know everyone is different and loses in a different way. Typically larger folks like myself tend to lose at a more rapid pace in the beginning.

So to give you an idea of how it has gone for me: I lost 38lbs on a 6 month mandatory preop diet. It was in the middle of the holiday season 2011 so I lost a month and half of losing because I chose to enjoy the holidays. I did not go crazy eating and I managed to maintain. So I pretty much lost nothing mid way through November and all the way to Jan 1. I got back at it and started slowly losing and the day I was approved for Surgery 3/30/12 I was down 38lbs. I had surgery on 4/16 and as of yesterday I have lost an additional 84 pounds. I did that without hardly any exercise. I got a little more active but not like going to a gym or anything. I know the weight would drop faster if I got more active and had an actual work out routine. I guess I am just not there yet.

Sorry, I got long winded but my point is it does work. Follow Doctors guidelines and get in the zone, Get the proper band adjustments and when your appetite disappears you can lose the weight. It doesn't matter if you're 600 or 400 or less. Start the process and get motivated. Find support meetings to pump you up and boost your drive and ambition then things will start to happen.

Remember though where ever your starting point is....you didn't get there overnight and the weight will not come off overnight.

I'll get off my soapbox now!!