BMI is bulls**t

[gowalking 10,790]

I was on the phone the other day with the pre-op nurse. I'm having a procedure on Monday and she needed to go over some things with me. While discussing my medical history, she was basically confirming what was already on her records...which included my last weigh-in which was oh..maybe 3 or 4 lbs. more than my current weight. But I heard her loud and clear when she noted that I was obese.

OK, I thought...yes, technically I still am obese based on my BMI...but this obese woman is wearing a size 12 slacks and tops anywhere from small to XL depending on the manufacturer. This obese woman fits into tight spaces, airplane seats, restaurant booths, suway and bus seats, and pretty much anywhere at this point I suspect.

This obese woman doesn't get stared at anymore, doesn't get dirty looks when she is out and about with her cane...because now this obese woman didn't do this to herself...oh no...she probably is recuperating from some kind of surgery or injury. Now folks treat me kinder...sad but true. Plus I don't feel as self conscious either...

This obese woman shops in regular clothing stores..no more Avenue for me. This obese woman is not ashamed to wear a bathing suit anymore...even with all the saggy skin, I wear the suits with a skirt to hide some of that. This obese woman got her legs up on the shower seat today to shave. Such an ordinary thing unless you can't do it...

This obese woman hopes to lose a few more pounds just so she is no longer clinically obese, but I'll take this kind of obesity any day compared to a year ago when I carried 100 more pounds than I do now and couldn't move because of the knee and hip pain.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...one day at a time, one pound at a time...and watch how your life will transform as you do. Happy Saturday all! I got out today...walked slowly and carefully but made it out. It's cold but not like yesterday...it's a balmy 22 degrees currently.

[j0anna 37]

BMI puts too much pressure on people. I think it's a joke. My doctor wants me to weigh somewhere around 206lbs. Which would still, to a bmi chart, make me "obese". He said there are too many factors, especially for women, that the chart doesn't consider. And I'm pretty sure the only time a bmi number was used for me was when trying to get approval from insurance. Lol. You're doing awesome and I loved this post!

[cheryl2586 3,053]

It is only a word used in the medical community. They have to write that on any kind of notes, hospital records to justify why you needed weight loss surgery or any other surgery so that insurance companies will pay. It is no different if you are anemic, diabetic, had gallbladder surgery it will always be part of you past medical history. As a matter of fact it will always be one of your diagnosis on all of your paperwork no matter how skinny you get. It's just a word so let it be just that.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

loved your posting. i once did curves, the exercise program. they said a healthy bmi was 21-22. i know now how obsurb that was. but i think of all the women who tried to achieve that goal and failed, like me. hopefully your stay at the hospital will be more of a positive outing.

[Leepers 1,195]

Love your post. Don't let words bring you down. You have so much to be proud of.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

what a gorgeous post

written by a gorgeous lady

you are so strong mentally and you have no idea how

much you inspire me and everyone else who reads

your posts..

i am glad i am able (to see) people for who they are

not what they look like..i raised my son to do that exact thing..

my mom judged by appearances....the bigger i got, the more of a fat, lazy, smelly slob i was

and if my mom thought that about me, i guess everyone else did too..

the way i was treated growing up made me desperate to be wanted/loved...food was my solace..

NOW i am in control of my emotions and my food intake and my execise and my want power...my band/plication gave me some back bone and i guess i grew a pair...because those who use to bother me, no longer do as they have no control over me....my ole man told me last week, when he heard some people trashing my beloved heels, haters gonna hate...

go..you are my friend and i am honored and proud to say that

Edited January 5, 2014 by ☠carolinagirl☠

[gowalking 10,790]

what a gorgeous post

written by a gorgeous lady

you are so strong mentally and you have no idea how

much you inspire me and everyone else who reads

your posts..

i am glad i am able (to see) people for who they are

not what they look like..i raised my son to do that exact thing..

my mom judged by appearances....the bigger i got, the more of a fat, lazy, smelly slob i was

and if my mom thought that about me, i guess everyone else did too..

the way i was treated growing up made me desperate to be wanted/loved...food was my solace..

NOW i am in control of my emotions and my food intake and my execise and my want power...my band/plication gave me some back bone and i guess i grew a pair...because those who use to bother me, no longer do as they have no control over me....my ole man told me last week, when he heard some people trashing my beloved heels, haters gonna hate...

go..you are my friend and i am honored and proud to say that

Right back at 'ya my friend. You have no idea how important your posts were and still are. I credit you for helping me to be successful. I know you'll deny it, but I'm telling you that it's true.

[Debbie3sons 1,936]

Tell that nurse you are no longer obese and show her a pic of your before and one of the you now so she can drop her mouth and then tell her ya I am no longer obese but I may be over weight but I am still healthy and going to live longer thanks to my little tool , then smile that s--- eatin grin and then go on girl keep doin what your doin cause you know where you were before the wls, and where and what you do now , so keep smiling , and hope your surgery your going in for gets better, good luck .

[Rojasanoll 920]

BMI is the most important number for most insurances to vaildate surgery. You could be 6 ft tall and weigh 220 pounds of muscles with a bodyfat in low numbers and still wind up as obese. Two close friends of mine are body builders and they say BMI is BullS&*t!.

Best wishes and Keep the faith.

[gowalking 10,790]

Thanks for your support and good wishes. I know we're more than our BMI...LOL!

Edited January 5, 2014 by gowalking

[LeeB1946 261]

My dc told me the BMI charts are not accurate. I am 5 ft 5 and he wants be around 170 which puts me as overweight on the charts. I would have to be 149 to be at the top of healthy weight. 150 puts me back in overweight. He said the people who make up the BMI scale are going to redo it to be a little more realistic. The nurse was probably correct by the chart she/he had on the desk.

[jamilyne 102668 1,207]

Loved your post! You are doing great! Don't let someone or a freakin BMI calculation define you! You are doing wonderful and I am so happy for you! Congrats!!!!!