I started this journey weighing in over 300 pounds. I have lost 110 in 5 years. I am a very slow loser. The charts say I should weigh about 40 pounds less than I do now. My surgeon is very happy with my loss and says I have exceeded what he expected I could lose. I need to lose another 20 pounds to get to my goal which I think is very reasonable considering my age... I'm not a teenager any more.

The problem is with my plastic surgeon. He wants me to have a 28 BMI before doing any sugery. (I saw 2 other surgeons and they want the 28 BMI too.) That means losing 40 pounds which will be impossible. If I can lose the 20, I will have a BMI of 30. I can not imagine losing any more than that. And those 20 pounds are going to be lost through sheer will power, determination and lots of sweat. My band is as tight as the surgeon will allow. It won't be able to help much now. I am hoping the plastic surgeon will accept me at a 30 BMI when he sees that what's left on me is largely a huge amount of hanging skin.

Has anyone else been told to be happy where they are and to more or less give up the idea of losing more? How am I to deal with this? I desperately NEED a Breast Reduction and TT at the minimum, but how can i get them if the plastic guys won't touch me at the higher BMI?

I go to the gym 3 times a week. The men there have nick-named me 'wrestler' cause of the large amounts of weights I use. I am in terrific physical condition now. My eating could be better I admit, but it's hard to stick to a good plan and stay motivated when the scale hasn't moved for months and months....

Have you thought about calling others. I would. I dont know what their theory would be unless they still consider 30 more of a risk when going to sleep. I am sure there is some surgeon out there that would be willing to do it for you. My doctor is happy with me at 175 and told me only to go to 170 I dont know if I want that number but she said that I can live with that and maintain it. Im almost 50 so I dont care to be a tooth pick. I wish you luck on finding a surgeon. It's really up to you on how much more weight you want to lose but if that is what they are asking then maybe try. Its not impossible to lose 40 more. You can do it.

I would talk to your Lap Band surgeon and see if he can recommend a plastic surgeon. There are surgeons out there that will do the procedure regardless of weight or BMI. I mean, let's face it, it's your body. I know the results are better if you're thinner but it's 100% your choice to have the TT and breast reduction, regardless of your BMI.