Has anyone out there chose a sleeve with a lower starting BMI (30-35)?

I was a BMI of 32.9 and te sleeve has really helped me.

Why do you consider it a "cosmetic" sleeve?

I wouldn't consider the sleeve to be cosmetic at all. The only way it would is if you were at a normal bmi, not had any problems with weight but wanted the procedure, or just did not want to work at losing their excess weight. There have been people that have had the sleeve at a normal weight after getting there with a problematic band and have done it to maintain.

I was a little over a 35 and it was not cosmetic. I simply acted before I had the health problems morbid obesity was sure to cause eventually. A BMI of 35 meant that I had more than 80 lbs to lose just to get to a normal BMI, and in my view, 80lbs isn't "overweight" it's headed for high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, and stroke or heart attack.

Thanks for your responses. They are helpful.

I had a BMI of 31. My doctor used the word "cosmetic" and stated that it was not medically necessary for me to have the surgery. He says that it is generally referred to as cosmetic if you have less than a 35 BMI.

I went ahead with the surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am feeling better, but not great. I absolutely CANNOT get my protein down.

I don't regret my decision, but I also see people losing weight much faster than me and seeming to do better than I am. It made me wonder about the BMI thing.

Just keep your chin up. If you follow your plan, it will come off. For me, it came off really fast at first, then slowed waaaaaaaaaay down, and then before I knew it, I hit goal.

What types of Protein are you trying? I HATED all the shakes and just could not tolerate them. I ate a lot of Carbmaster Yogurt (low on carbs, high on protein) and drank lots of powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Soup mix. They were the only things to get me through those first weeks. But, the most important thing post-surgery is to get in your fluids.

I see we are located in the PNW. Let me know if you need a "buddy" to help out with any questions. People were great to me out here & I like to return the favor.

I had a 33 BMI. Cosmetic sleeve, UGH how dare that doctor call it that! OBESITY KILLS!!!!!!!! Having a 30-35 BMI is OBESE!!!!!!!

Sorry if I sound upset, but I am so frustrated with these type of doctors, insurance, etc!! I think everyone who is obese should have the option of having wls.

I was just diagnosed with atherosclerosis, from having a 35-33 BMI for over a decade. I heard so many times, why are you doing this, you don't need this, you are not that big, you don't have a 40 BMI, etc. etc. etc....Come to find out the sleeve probably saved my life.

Thank GOD my orthopedic surgeon put the referral in because my primary would NOT do it!

Again sorry if I sound upset, just venting...

Your weightloss will be slower because your bmi is much lower. I think this surgery is a great preventative measure to becoming obese. Overweight is just the doorway - its easy to open that door and become obese.

I don't think it necessarily will be slower. I know several of us "low" BMI'ers (makes me laugh - obese is obese!) had great success and made goal in less than a year. Everyone's experience may vary.