Hey Everybody! I'm looking for a little advice from the experts. I am waffling something fierce here - and not the good kind with syrup and butter

I started my 6 month medical weight loss jaunt in January. On March 8 when I saw the Doctor they put me on a diet and suggested exercise. I've been able to follow an 1,100 calorie diet pretty well and have been getting exercise more regularly, which for me is one to two times a week. Since March 8 I have lost 18 pounds. I am waffling because many family, friends and even the dietician have said, 'if you keep it up, you won't need the surgery.' And for a little while, I even thought that maybe I would make that my goal; to lose enough weight that I couldn't get approved for the surgery because my BMI would be too low. Right now my BMI is 39.1 and my insurance requires it to be above 35 (because I have co-morbidities). It is fairly likely (but not a sure thing) that I could lose enough to make 35 BMI before the paperwork is sent in for insurance approval. I need to lose 100 pounds total - doctor would like to see 120 but unless I'm planning on doing the heroin chic look, it's not happening.

Where my waffling comes in is that I'm not sure if I want to. I'm deeply concerned that I will get to the 35 BMI weight and then just quit losing or fall of the wagon and start gaining again. It's like my brain and heart say that I really need to get this surgery. I don't know if I'm trying to please other people or what's going on. I actually have no doubts about the surgery itself, I have all the confidence in the world in my healthcare team.

Can anyone help me sort this out? I'm looking for any ideas and input ... either good or bad. Or, has anyone else had these same feelings?

When my husband and I first discussed (*ahem* argued) about me getting the surgery, he was angry that I had lost 100 lbs on my own, then put it all back on. He thought I "quit" on that diet. What I tried to explain to him is that LOSING weight isn't my problem. I know I can lose weight. What I can't seem to do on my own is keep it OFF! That's where I need help. That's where I can't do it on my own. That's why I need something that will support modest eating for life.

I have been thinking about this process since 2004 finally in 2012 I have the guts to attend an information session on the process and requirements.

Best move ever!

I thought I would get stuck with the psychologist and have to under go counseling but was told that from all of the research I have done I was more than ready.

All to best to everyone that is undergo this process. Continued success!

I am scheduled for August 19. I have done a ton of research and I'm really happy to finally be heading toward an actual surgery date!

Hey Everybody! I'm looking for a little advice from the experts. I am waffling something fierce here - and not the good kind with syrup and butter

I started my 6 month medical weight loss jaunt in January. On March 8 when I saw the Doctor they put me on a diet and suggested exercise. I've been able to follow an 1' date='100 calorie diet pretty well and have been getting exercise more regularly, which for me is one to two times a week. Since March 8 I have lost 18 pounds. I am waffling because many family, friends and even the dietician have said, 'if you keep it up, you won't need the surgery.' And for a little while, I even thought that maybe I would make that my goal; to lose enough weight that I couldn't get approved for the surgery because my BMI would be too low. Right now my BMI is 39.1 and my insurance requires it to be above 35 (because I have co-morbidities). It is fairly likely (but not a sure thing) that I could lose enough to make 35 BMI before the paperwork is sent in for insurance approval. I need to lose 100 pounds total - doctor would like to see 120 but unless I'm planning on doing the heroin chic look, it's not happening.

Where my waffling comes in is that I'm not sure if I want to. I'm deeply concerned that I will get to the 35 BMI weight and then just quit losing or fall of the wagon and start gaining again. It's like my brain and heart say that I really need to get this surgery. I don't know if I'm trying to please other people or what's going on. I actually have no doubts about the surgery itself, I have all the confidence in the world in my healthcare team.

Can anyone help me sort this out? I'm looking for any ideas and input ... either good or bad. Or, has anyone else had these same feelings?[/quote']

I felt exactly the way you did! And I mean I even booked a cruise that I told my husband if I lost enough weight (that I wouldn't qualify for the surgery) we'd take this amazing trip. Self incentive!

I lost 45 lbs on my 3 mo. preop diet and dropped below a 35 bmi. Wow! I totally can do this and insurance won't pay!

BUT

After speaking to my doc's office, they said the insurance would only see the starting weight and diet compliance, no numbers. No denial was coming. Hmmm...

Knowing myself and how much I'd yoyoed over the years, I hedged by canceling the cruise and proceeded toward surgery.

And listen, up until they put me under, I was prepared to hop off that bed and RUN!! But glad I stayed.

It's a tough, body changing, life altering decision and only you can make it, my dear. Best of luck, whatever you decide to do!!!