I am getting more nervous as my surgery date gets closer. I had a first appt. with my doctor, his nurse and the anesthesiologist last week. This was a 4 hour drive for me and, because of back pain, I left before confirming my scheduled surgery date(Oct. 25th) with their scheduler. They were aware of this and told me it was fine and to call in and confirm. I called two days later and left a voice mail to confirm. They didn't return my call for three days. Because I was already feeling anxious this didn't help in terms of their support(which they had offered wholeheartedly). I received their return call on MY voice mail stating that I was scheduled and that they would get back to me with information. No apology for the delay in calling. That was two days ago. At this point I feel like a cog in a machine and am having second thoughts.

I had a BMI of 36, high enough that I really want to do this. Tonight I read that those with a lower BMI are less successful with this surgery. Does anyone know if this is true? I was not told by the the nurse and doctor, both of whom thought I would be a good candidate. I would love to hear from sleevers who have not had previous WLS and have a similar BMI. Were you successful?

I'd also like to hear anyone's thoughts on what I've described. Part of me knows I have valid complaints, and part of me feels like I could be sabotaging myself. My plan is to call them tomorrow.

Thanks, Fran

I think your information is exactly backwards -- people with low BMI's do fantastically well with the sleeve! I started out with a 32 BMI and reached a "normal" BMI of 24.9 this week -- 6.5 months out. And I'm a VERY slow loser! My surgeon says lower BMI patients are the BEST candidates for the sleeve!

I agree with MlkPas... my surgeon also said that lower BMI patients have better results. I should be able to get to the 'normal' healthy BMI with the sleeve. (My starting BMI pre surgery was 35.6)

Its also slightly less risk (although every surgery has a risk) as you're lighter from a surgery point of view.

I'm just coming up for 4 mths out now and am just under 2/3rds of the way to my target.....I have no reservations in recommending it at all.

What I've read, the VSG is successful with all candidates. It started as the 1st part of a 2 part procedure for the extremely high BMI 50+ and many didn't return for the second part, which was either RNY or DS, can't remember. But studies showed they kept losing, and that WL was successful even without the 2nd part.

I have had great loss since my surgery, anticipate (and hope) I reach my goal weight by the end of the year (very likely, if I keep the momentum going).

We did it!

I too had my surgery with a BMI around 36, and my surgeon said we are the best candidates for the sleeve. I've been sleeved 9 weeks ago and am halfway to my target, even though I haven't been at my best behaviour in the last couple of days,and tend to ingest more calories and carbs than most people ion here, so I count myself lucky! Back on track now! Good luck!

I am getting more nervous as my surgery date gets closer. I had a first appt. with my doctor, his nurse and the anesthesiologist last week. This was a 4 hour drive for me and, because of back pain, I left before confirming my scheduled surgery date(Oct. 25th) with their scheduler. They were aware of this and told me it was fine and to call in and confirm. I called two days later and left a voice mail to confirm. They didn't return my call for three days. Because I was already feeling anxious this didn't help in terms of their support(which they had offered wholeheartedly). I received their return call on MY voice mail stating that I was scheduled and that they would get back to me with information. No apology for the delay in calling. That was two days ago. At this point I feel like a cog in a machine and am having second thoughts.

I had a BMI of 36, high enough that I really want to do this. Tonight I read that those with a lower BMI are less successful with this surgery. Does anyone know if this is true? I was not told by the the nurse and doctor, both of whom thought I would be a good candidate. I would love to hear from sleevers who have not had previous WLS and have a similar BMI. Were you successful?

I'd also like to hear anyone's thoughts on what I've described. Part of me knows I have valid complaints, and part of me feels like I could be sabotaging myself. My plan is to call them tomorrow.

Thanks, Fran

Fran - I think the lower BMIs patients have a higher success rate - or this is MY experience! I had surgery on June 11th and my BMI was 36.8. That was four months ago!! I'm just 7.5 lbs away from my surgeons goal!!! I'd like to lose a little more, maybe 5 - 7 lbs, but I can wear a size 8!!! I was wearing a size 18 - 20!! It was THE best decision I've ever made, I didn't have any health issues, one knee bothered me a little, it has since high school and it's better now....but I considered this preventive maintenence...and vainity. It was worth it 100% - I'm having so much fun shopping for the first time, probably in my entire life!!! I weigh several lbs less than i did when I got married and now I have MONEY to buy fun clothes!! Go for it....don't hesitate...and I am convinced that because of the lower BMI and good health, that I why I had such an easy time with surgery...no problems at all. Good luck!!!

I started at BMI of around 34.5, that was 8 weeks ago and I am down 35 pounds. The sleeve is a tool and I am working it, I eat small healthy Protein rich foods and I work out 5 days a week including one day of high incline climbing where I burn about 1000 in an hour and fifteen minutes. I think low BMI people can be decent losers if we put in the work, and if we don't put in as much I think we still lose just a little slower.

I don't know about anyone else but before surgery I was frustrated that I could work really hard and lose some weight but it was really slow and I would get burned out and give up. Now I feel like I put in the work and my body is responding it is much easier to stay motivated.

Thank you all for your responses. I think as my surgery date gets closer I get more anxious. I watched a movie last night about a group of women who were starting over in their lives and it made me realize that this IS a big deal for me. I think I've been trying to skirt that issue and just get it done.

I have been feeling like I barely remember the thinner me anymore .....made me realize how much I want that back.

Despite my fear I want to go through with it. All your support is very appreciated.