Hello Everyone, ( actually posted this on the wrong thread earlier so reposting it here)

I am so glad I found this message board! I have so many questions and it's hard to find one place where you can just have a good conversation!

I have a BMI of 35, which puts me below the range for most places in the US. I don't have much in the way of secondary problems - YET. But my cholesterol is creeping up, my knees hurt, etc etc. Problems are just around the corner.

I am approx 60-70 lbs overweight (5'2 height). I know this is not quite as much as some people who have gastric surgery, but the reality is that over the last 15 years I have tried several diets that have failed me. Now I am 43 and wondering when I am going to start having problems?

So I am considering gastric sleeve surgery. I do not want a lap band at all. I want a tool that will help me with my efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Because I am in a "gray area" with my BMI, I would like to get other's opinions on this.

My problem with weight management is portion control. If I eat a healthy portion, I am STARVING still. I am never satisfied. Even when I make good choices, I overeat. This is why I'd like to consider VSG.

Can anyone give me some advice and/or their opinion?

Thank you.

Debly, I know exactly what you mean about being hungry even after eating a normal portion of food! I don't think I'd ever felt "full" before surgery, except on days like Thanksgiving where I totally ate like I hadn't ever seen food before! That mystery was solved for me when I was sleeved. My surgeon said that I had the biggest stomach he'd ever seen on a woman, and most men. He also said that it was congenital, not stretched to that size!

I had a really hard time recognizing my full signals post-op, since the sensation was truly strange to me. Now, I know well before I get "full" that I'm satisfied, which is a tremendous gift from my sleeve!

If you're considering VSG, and it sounds like you are doing your research, then you should truly know about the risks and the rewards of this surgery. You should also know that it's not a magic bullet; it's just a tool. But, it's an incredible tool!

As for your having a lower bmi, that's a decision you will have to make. I was at 53 BMI when I started, so surgery was just about my only option. Add in the complications of being morbidly obese and my decision was easy. You should definitely talk to a couple of doctors, including your primary care about the risks vs benefits of surgery. Personally, I think it's worth it, but only you can decide for yourself.

Whatever decision you make, though, Good luck on your journey!

My BMI was about 40 when I first considered the sleeve, and I am like you and have few complications. What I've learned so far is that the sleeve is DEFINITELY a tool, not a solution, and this process is not all easy! However, I am also 5'2" and I know that even the 30 pounds or so I've lost so far has already made a big difference in the "problems around the corner" like blood pressure creeping toward hypertension and pain in my ankles and knees.

Do all your research--this forum is a great resource. And then, make a good decision for you and DON'T LOOK BACK.

I'm 5'0" and was 205 now 3.5 weeks post op I'm at 180. I'm 42 and also had high cholesterol bp creeping up joint pains and scoliosis soooo I figured I mite as well do this before I get any older! I'm VERY happy with it so far and have had NO problems or complications thank God ! I have no problems drinking at all and no problems eating any thing I have tried thus far. Except when I take the dreaded ONE bite too much! Then I feel like I could vomit for about 30 min but I haven't. I hope to be posting some of the amazing after photos when I'm about 6 mo out like everyone on here does!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

My BMI was 38 when I had the surgery. I also never had any comorbidities. Hell, I'm only 23. I saw it as an investment in my future. With heart disease and diabetes running in my family, it was either lose weight or get sick in the future.

I was big at 225 lbs but not as big as a lot of people who get weight loss surgery. However, without this tool I don't think I'd be at the size I am now. I was always hungry and could eat third or fourth portions with out any problems. The sleeve has allowed me to develop a healthier relationship with food.

The good news is that you'll probably reach goal a lot faster. I think it's better to do it NOW instead of waiting later when the problems could get worse. I know for a fact that I'd keep on gaining weight if I didn't have the surgery. It was only a matter of time before I reached 300 lbs.

Ooh I am so glad I found this forum!!! I am seeing my GP today and I fully expect her to tell me I am nuts for considering this. But I think that the way the US healthcare system sees obesity is backwards. I KNOW how to eat healthy. I KNOW that a 4 oz serving of meat and a half a cup of brown rice is awesome. MY problem is that it's NOT ENOUGH for me. I'm still very hungry after these "normal" amounts. So I see this surgery as a tool to help me focus more on eating smaller amounts of healthy foods. I already love whole grains and lean meats, etc. I also already gave up sodas (stopped drinking all sodas, even diet) in November. So I feel like I'm prepared for the dietary changes and now just need the tool to help me control how much I eat. I am not a junk food person, I eat sweets but not that much, etc etc. I'm thrilled to be considering this!

Thank you all for your input!!