Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

low bmi and considering sleeve



Recommended Posts

Hi guys,

I have a "low" bmi. I don't know what is exactly but i think it's 26. I know i'm definitely overweight for my height and have lots of excess fat in places.

(Very humiliating to write)

I've been on a rollercoaster of losing weight and putting it on, i don't think i can face it again. I even had liposuction which seems to be a waste of time because it all came back after i had my baby.

This time however i don't think it's going to shift. I'm going to book an appointment to see a doctor. I'm not sure how to explain it to him/her without them thinking i should just go on a regular diet.

I don't crave sweets or dessert. I just eat ALOT because i'm hungry. The hunger gets so bad it really puts me in a horrible mood if i don't eat.

Is it worth seeing a surgeon?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have questions that you want answered that of course it is worth seeing a surgen, But if 26 is your bmi you are fairly close to normal so they may not do the surgey but at least you will have your answeres that you need anot the what ifs that will drive you crazy good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

I am 5' 0.5" and my BMI is 56. My ideal BMI per the medical professionals is 25 to 24.

You should calculate your BMI and see what it should be. Here is a good link here : NHS TOOL | BMI healthy weight calculator for children & adults

A BMI of 26 is only slightly overweight for most women. You might be able to do something about your weight earlier enough through normal diet and exercise and learn different eating habits to control your weight.

I went to a nutritionist 5 years ago and I credit that treatment then to not being over 400 lbs now. There are different ways of eating to control hunger. That would probably help you a great deal to control your hunger.

I eat a low fat high Fiber diet right now and I can manage on two meals a day with a light Breakfast (low fat yogurt and fruit).

It might also help you to get a personal trainer at the gym. When I was going to my nutritionist they gave me a gym membership and a personal trainer. I lost 20 lbs in 3 months.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, I was considered lower BMI and mine was right under 34 and I know of one or two that were around 31-32..but 26 that is really low and I thought the low standard for surgery was around 30.

You would maybe lose around 20-30 pounds that seems like a pretty small amount vs the cost.

I think it is you and the doctor's decision but that is pretty extreme to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Dr used a rule of thumb of BMI of 35 or over for the sleeve, for self pay. I was just over that at 35.6 (but I had already lost 21lbs prior to my first consult).

I really would consider the personal trainer first..... try following a tight regime diet (like the pre op ones) for a while and you may find you shift the excess anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a BMI of 30.2. I'm self-pay, looking at Mexico options. I have done lots of research and talked to lots of surgeons' coordinators. Most won't do surgery for BMI <32. One doctor is willing to do surgery with BMI of 30, but not 29.9. With a BMI of 26, you may not have much luck finding someone willing to do the surgery. To get to normal BMI of 25, you probably only have 5-6 pounds to lose. Best of luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the surgery with a BMI of 32. I'm at a 25 BMI now and feeling great! Even though I am a huge fan of the sleeve and I feel your pain as a fellow lightweight, I can't imagine going through it with a starting BMI of 26. At most you're probably, what? 25 pounds over what you consider your ideal weight? My suggestion (and really, I say this with all love and respect, as somebody who was a yo-yo dieter for 40 years) is to think about getting some therapy and learning to love yourself the way you are.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't think you'd make a great candidate for surgery. It wasn't that long ago that the "overweight" BMI cut-off was actually 27 and not 25. This little change is partially to blame for the "obesity epidemic" in the US - lots of people magically became overweight overnight. When I had a BMI of 27.5, I wore size 10 (I'm 5'5"), so if you are around my height, you are probably in the size 8-12 range, which is a perfectly acceptable size for an adult woman, especially one who's gone through childbirth. I think your focus should be on gaining muscle mass with weight training so you can speed up your metabolism and firm up, and getting quality dietary counselling from a nutritionist, as well as focusing on body image issues. I really don't think you are as fat as you seem to think. You certainly wouldn't have any medical indications for getting WLS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you feel you need a consult with a weight loss surgeon then go for it.. It is your body and you know what you need.. However a BMI of 26 is really close to a normal BMI.. I know with our insurance company "Aetna" a BMI with co-morbidities is the lowest they will take when covering weight loss surgery. If you have no co-morbidities a BMI of 40 or higher is what they look for.. I am 5'3 and weigh in at 237 my BMI on the 27th was at 42.. Talk to you doctor or talk to a surgeon and see what he/she has to say. They may recommend you see a dietician and meet with a personal trainer or something.. Oh and let me add this in a BMI of 17-25 is where most women should be.. If you are at 25 then you are still considered normal by most doctors.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi. Your BMI is really low which may not make you a candidate for this particular surgery. You shared that you just had a baby so maybe you should see if you lose some of the baby weight and then after some time has passed speak with a nutritionist about a plan that best works for your body type and will increase your metabolism.

Here's wishing you all the best,

Niki

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sweetie

I once had a BMI on 26, I felt all wrong (had 4 liposuctions!), - asked my doctor for diet pills. She wouldnt give it too me, because I wasn't overweight. And they has side effects that wasn't healthy

I cried and really felt dissapointed - that my doc let me down.

Now, 10 years later,when I have a lot higher and unhealthy BMI, I wonder why I was ever thinking I was fat then. I was so beautiful.

I would love to be back on a BMI on 26 again.

I know how difficult it is when you feel big, and others can not see it.

Please try other healthy methods, and perhaps talk with someone you can trust. Consider Overeaters A - it is a nice place. I do not think a surgeon would consider you as a patient. How much would you like to loose to be satisfied?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi, I don't think you will be able to get it covered by insurance with a BMI of 26 my goal BTW is a 26 BM so you will have to be self paid. I also think you will have a hard time finding a doctor to do a sleeve maybe a lap band but a sleeve, doubtful this is considered a last resort.

Nancy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Another member posted my exact thoughts. It is so hard to see yourself big while others do not see you this way. I too remember being a size 10 and felt huge and disgusting. I would love to be there again and look at myself differently. You bmi is not high at all, but I know and understand how you feel!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×