GOOD AFTERNOON,

CAN I PLEASE HERE FROM PEOPLE THAT HAVE A LOWER BMI THEN 35 AND HAD SURGERY? EITHER SUCCESS OR NON SUCCESSES. I'M JUST GOING THRU EVERY SCENARIO POSSIBLE BEFORE I MAKE A FINAL DECISION.

THANKS MUCH,

PAM

I had a BMI of 35, which was the highest point I ever reached and I did gain quite significant weight, in the six months before I snapped and started thinking about this surgery.

I thankfully cannot identify with the high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, diabetes etc that others have unfortunately been through, but I believe I was well on the way. I had an ankle problem that had been bugging me for about a year, a really sore ankle with localised swelling but no real problem that could be diagnosed. I'd had two cortisone shots in it, which is about the maximum they will do around the achilles tendon.

I had no trouble getting approval because I live in Australia and our medical system is different, no jumping through hoops and proving your case. I was fat, the surgeon agreed the surgery would help me, end of story.

I lost significant weight right after surgery, 9kg in 6 weeks. Not the spectacular weightloss some have, but it was great, I've gone on to lose a total of 20kg in almost 6 months which works out to just under 1kg (or 2lb) a week. It was good because I had lots of changes, going down in size, fitting into regular store clothing etc very quickly due to not having as much weight to lose. All my issues with my ankle have been resolved, I'm now no longer obese, I dont stand out in a crowd, I feel fantastic so all the weight loss from hereon in is for cosmetic/vanity reasons, not health reasons.

Its really really slowed down now and that's for two reasons - one because I now only have about 16kg to lose and two because lately I'm relaxing a bit too much, snacking more and choosing more fattening foods more often, as you tend to do when you've dieted for a long while. Its made me realise that the real benefit of the band is to prevent weight regain (I really honestly cant eat enough to gain weight) but that you stil have to do all the work to lose the weight, it just makes it easier because you wont be starving all the time.

Its been so worth it for me. I only had a modest weight problem but it crept up on my over the years and I really hadnt realised how crappy I was feeling day in and day out. I feel so much better now.

Mine was 35.9 when I started. I am almost a year out and have only lost 40 pounds but WHOA! I am thrilled with it. Of course, I would love to be at my gial weight but I feel better and better all the time. Despite the slow weight loss I would do it again in a heart beat. Chances are I would have continued to gain!

Good luck!

Lindsay

My starting BMI was 35. I was private pay because my insurance requires 2 co-morbities with BMI under 40.

I have consistantly lost between 1 & 2 pounds each week since being banded.

Thanks You!!!

i was a bmi of 35. i had no co-morbidities. but i was thinking of the surgery mostly as preventative and to avoid the diabetes and heart disease that my family has. i was also self-pay, but was part of a study to see what effect the band would have on those with a bmi under 40. ie to see if we would not develop the co-morbidities of the MO. i have been very happy with the band so far, although it took a bit of time to get proper restriction and begin losing weight (as you see below). that was the most trying part of the process for me. ii had the thought for a few months of 'my god i just had weight loss surgery and i haven't lost weight!!@!' but it did start working. as a low bmi bandster your loss is likely to be slower than for someone who has a lot to lose, so keep that in mind.

Hi, I fluctuate between a 36 and 37 bmi and this is the biggest I have ever been so I have elected to self-pay for my surgery since insurance will not pay for it unless I have a bmi of 40 or co-morbidties....I am going to Mexico on the 26th to get banded by Dr. Joya. It's a personal decision, so many of my friends are like, just eat less and exercise! I have tried and tried and consistently lose and gain back more..I DO STILL exercise A LOT but it seems to just maintain my weight, don't really lose because it is SO hard to control my appetite and to eat the "right" things. I am a vegetarian and do eat a lot of veggies and healthy stuff, however, I also eat a LOT of carbs and cheese which are my downfall....

i think everyone's 'friends' say 'just eat less blah blah blah.' that's why the diet industry is so successful. a whopping 3% of people keep 50+ lbs off for good. it's all bs the diet industry sells us. i'm not saying it's impossible. it's just unlikely.

There are a bunch of low bmi'ers. Search for them. Recent study from Australia suggested that in their hands and experience, BMI'ers from 30 to 35 were pretty darn successful. I am a lower bmi'er but I was just banded-we will see how I do.

Thanks!!! Good Luck To You :confused:

I have joint problems----2 knee surgeries (damn soccer) and have issues with my back. I am sooo glad I had it done. Yes, I am losing slowly, but am satisfied. It is a TOOL, not a cure. You still have to watch what you eat, and choose wisely. Good luck on your decision!

My bmi was 33.3. I went to Mexico to see dr rumbaut 5/25/06. all is well, a little pain. still hard time adjusting to new diet.

Kim