Hey all! I just scheduled my sleeve with Dr. Rod in Warez for Aug 13. I am super excited, but a little nervous at the same time. I am sure thats normal right? Warez, that city scares the begizits out of me too.

I am a low BMI-er at 33. I see threads here and there from low BMI sleevers, but it would be really nice to have a dedicated sub-forum for our kind. Who can make that happen?

Here's my story:

I'm 40 years old, 5'9", 215 lbs, and growing (aren't we all.) For the last 10 years I've always told myslef that 210 is my limit. Every time I hit the limit it's HcG time. after 7 rounds of HcG over the past 5 years (before that it was off label drug use, blah!), I am finally commiting to a long term solution. Sleeve here I come.

I have always been active, mostly playing soccer (indoor & outdoor), it helped keep the edge off and slow down the gain, but the gain was inevitable. Three knee surgeries later and a fourth needed, I decided to hang up the boots and execrise more traditionally. I found that once I hit 205, my knees can no longer support my weight with contact sports (soccer, basketball, flag football.) I tried ISAGENIX for about 6 months. It got me down to 196 lbs by consuming two shakes a day and following their program. I felt fantastic, but at $300/mo it was unsustainable and got very old not being able to eat normal foods. I was still unable to drop below 190. I do think that if I did that program forever I could POSSIBLY maintain at 190 lbs, but quality of life would be hanging on a thread and possible jeopardise my retirement!

My family, they are ALL large people, not vertically, but width wise. Father is 280 Lbs @ 6'. Mother, not super bad but I would guess inthe obese range. Twin brother looks exactly like me, a tad shorter but similiar build. Sister is 5'2" and has always been fighting the fight, my guess is a BMI of about 42. Type II diabeties in two siblings, I am pre diabeties and high-blood pressure. I was always fit and slender through about 27. Activity didnot change over the years, just my body did, and boy did it.

I have a very close friend who was a BMI of 36 who I thought was not going to make it to his 30th birthday, extreme personality and enormously intelligent. He had gastric bypass at 27. At 40 he swears by it. As an extrmely successful business person (tech indistry) and has personally funded surgeries for over 10 others without asking to be repaid. Nice boss huh! Getting surgery was something I have considered for about 3 years. This last injury and weight gain, despite what I think as being fairly active and aware of what I was eating, I gained to 215 and started looking for options. So glad to find this forum!

So, that's my story and my reasoning for taking such a serious step in improving my health.

I do really wish we had a BM < 35 forum where I could see other stories of those in my situation. Who can help with that? Thoughts?

I am a little concerned about active sports post sleeve. I wonder how much energy I will have to compete for 90 minutes at a high level, I would be happy for just 60 frankly. Then I imagine how much less my heart will have to work to sustain a 160 lb or less frame. Anyone out there have any experience with this? Do you just graze on carbo gels while playing? What about Water intake, do you dehydrate while competing? I made a goal to run a marathon eventually (something absolutely impossible for my future without the procedure), any post sleeve marathoners out there?

I hope to be around for a while.

Thanks to all the board participate!

There are forums specific to the amount of weight you have to lose. While not a BMI, it might be close enough. You can find them here http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/38-weight-loss-specific-gastric-sleeve-surgery-vsg-support-groups/

Alex (the admin) will need to approve all new forums, and create them. He doesn't read all messagse so if one of the above forums won't work for you, try posting your suggestion(s) here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/69-vertical-sleeve-talk-forum-assistance-suggestions/

You also might want to specify the intent of the forum you're suggesting. I.e. is it for people with starting BMIs of 35, or anyone with a BMI of 35? What's the advanatage of a BMI forum over a weight forum? Etc. (You don't need to tell me, it's just an example of info you might want to include in your suggestion).

I just had the sleeve June 29th in Juarez =) with Dr Rod. Loved him, the hospital, the staff!! The outskirts of Juarez are a little scary but everything by the hospital was great. Enjoy your "night before surgery last meal" at the Mexican restaurant next to the hospital!! So good!

Check out my blog on my homepage if you want to dig for more info, or send me a message =) Good luck on your journey!!

Oh BTW, there are several people here who run marathons or participate in otherwise "extreme"/endurance sports. You won't be lonely there at all.

Hydration is really not a problem once your swelling subsides. I'm only 3 mos out and can drink a bottle of Water pretty quickly, whereas immediately post-op a single ounce was a challenge. Being able to "chug" may never come back, but a lot of people end up just shy of.

HTH

I too am low bmi (just under 35) and just starting this search. physical & seminar scheduled for next week. Family history of diabetes and high blood pressure (not here yet). Considering Mexico since going self-pay but that thought is scaring the hell out of me.

1. I hear alot of good things about doctors in Mexico -- but would like to hear who you didn't like and why?

2. Also, do they have BMI restrictions like the states?

3. Considering combining with a vacation - but how long before I can go back to work? I can't take off more than 2 weeks. I'm a secretary, so non-strenuous.

4. I am a "high pre-diabetic", anything I can do to ensure I go up 5 points for the test? If so I could be approved for a local surgeon and insurance coverage.

5. Anybody that had complications with Mexico surgery - does US insurance ever cover complications? (How long does the drain stay in?)

I know I have alot of questions but very anxious to get things going. Still sorting through the forum but working two jobs doesn't leave alot of free time.

I am 6 months post op, started with a BMI of 36. I've lost 65 lbs and I'm 18 away from goal. Went from a tight 16 jean to a comfortable 10. Best decision I've ever made!