I am a low BMI gastric sleeve patient. My BMI was a little over 35 when I got sleeved. I was approved by my insurance because I have kidney disease and getting HBP or diabetes would be detrimental to my health. I'm getting very frustrated with people not knowing my history and saying I didn't need the surgery. Although a 35 was the highest my BMI has ever been, it's more about the constant struggle with loosing weight and trying to stay healthy.

I am a low BMI gastric sleeve patient. My BMI was a little over 35 when I got sleeved. I was approved by my insurance because I have kidney disease and getting HBP or diabetes would be detrimental to my health. I'm getting very frustrated with people not knowing my history and saying I didn't need the surgery. Although a 35 was the highest my BMI has ever been, it's more about the constant struggle with loosing weight and trying to stay healthy.

I also have a lower BMI, I'm also a 35.7, this is no means is a healthy BMI, and because of that you could have serious health problems in the future if you don't already have them. When people tell me your not big enough, or your BMI isn't high enough, I tell them, I am proactive, I am choosing to do something now before my weight get out of hand, I've made the choice to improve my health before I get so far gone that the surgery is too high risk. If more people made the choice earlier, they would have so much less to loose, and the journey would be easier on them to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It's the people like us that decide to make a change soonier then later. Congrats, don't listen to the negative, your doing the right thing

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I had a BMI of 29 when I had the sleeve, I am 6 weeks out and less than 10 pounds to goal...

I appreciate hearring all success stories, but yours is fantastic!

Hi Dina, I also had a lower BMI of 35. I have struggled with weight all my life, gaining and losing and gaining and losing. This surgery has been a miracle for me. I'm down 90 lbs and was told to stop losing weight. Went from a size 18 to a size 2. I'm one year out, active and very focused on eating healthy.

Edited June 20, 201610 yr by sallydswanson

Well, I was six months post this week and finally took some comparison photos.

195 lbs - high weight

188 lbs - surgery weight

144 lbs - today's weight (well, 143.3 lbs, but I rounded up)

I am 51 pounds down and only NINE pounds from my goal weight!!!! And, I have lost 61.25 inches... crazy! Hips are 34" and wearing size 4!

HI great pictures....it's great to read you guys post I am 4"11 with a bmi of 38 with a comorbity....I'm looking to be a august sleever and I can't wait.... people tells me I'm fine in don't need surgery but this stubborn weight no matter what will not come off so my doctor recommended this and here I am...but your pics inspire me to keep going towards reaching my goal of 140lbs

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My BMI is low as well. I'm miserable. I have back problems, hip pain, foot pain, hiatal hernia, fatty liver and High Cholesterol. I'm going to Tijuana in September. I don't care what they say. I'm going. I'm also not telling very many people. I'm only saying that I'm having the Hiatal Hernia repaired. They don't need to know more. I'm ready for change.

I feel you...I feel the same way keep it to myself it's like keeping my joy smh good luck on everything

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"you're not thaaaat fat"

"but you've lost weight before naturally. just do it again."

"i would kill to be your size."

My current BMI is 33 (although it has been higher in the past) and I feel trapped in my own body. I have been overweight since 7, dieting since 9, and I have never been successful at keeping weight off. Will be looking into a trip to Mexico and a self-paid surgery. I can't wait to get my date and become the person I've always wanted to be.

I get that all the time smh...

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Is anyone here having surgery in February? I'm having it on the 17th in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz at OCC, with a BMI of 29.5 and just starting my preop diet and getting very nervous. Obesity runs in my family and I absolutely know I'm doing the right thing but still scared.

I am a 28 year old female with pcos. During the last three to four years, I became insulin resistant, pre diabetic and am now having periodontal issues. I am 5'2 and 175 lbs. I think that puts me to 31 or 32 on the BMI chart. I am working on having my surgery sometime in the next 3 months but I am also not getting any support from friends or family members. My sister is the only person supporting me. I wish people knew that just because one is not 300 pounds, it does not mean they don't have health issues that needs to be addressed.

Just had my sleeve last Friday. Your story is my story. I'm down 15 lbs. already feeling better but it is NOT easy. Good luck to you


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Just go for it- I have the stat as you - I did my surgery aug 2015- Currently weight 120- super happy with my decision

My BMI was just a hair under 30 at surgery. Just over four months later I was in normal range. I'm about 10-15 pounds from goal at almost five months post. I think this should be an option for low BMI who have struggled with yo-yo weight or other conditions. I'll know better two years in. For now, I'm delighted.

I'm 36 bmi and hoping to have surgery by mid august. My psych eval is in 2 weeks. I usually refer to myself as a professional dieter since i have lost and gained back ( and setting hw each time) so many times. I was happy to see that people around my bmi where getting surgery. I know 2 people with sleeves that are doing great, i can't wait to finally loose weight for good.

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My BMI was just a hair under 30 at surgery. Just over four months later I was in normal range. I'm about 10-15 pounds from goal at almost five months post. I think this should be an option for low BMI who have struggled with yo-yo weight or other conditions. I'll know better two years in. For now, I'm delighted.

Good to hear this. I am having surgery on 7/7 and I have a BMI OF 29 closer to 28. I have a couple of underlying issues like back issues and elevated cholesterol. Looking forward to this journey. Any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it!

I too started with a him of 40 and even when I checked in at the hospital on surgery day the intake person said I wasn't big enough for surgery. I think it's their way of a compliment (?) Bit it is the comorbidities that make the surgery essential to our success. I kept creeping up in weight and weighed more than I ever have. I struggled with my weight my whole life. I was tired of being the biggest person in the room and then the sleep apnea and diabetes made me qualify with a zero copay in my insurance! So far I am 2.5 weeks out from surgery and have lost 22 pounds. I am feeling better and my diabetes has been under control.

Good to hear this. I am having surgery on 7/7 and I have a BMI OF 29 closer to 28. I have a couple of underlying issues like back issues and elevated cholesterol. Looking forward to this journey. Any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it!

I went to my pcp yesterday. At nearly 5 weeks post op I've lost 25 lbs and I am no longer diabetic! Woo hoo!



Mich W
Hw 223, SW 217 CW 198 GW 135

My BMI was only a hair over 30. I did self-pay through Mexico.

Does anyone know if those of us who start out with a lower BMI have a greater or lesser chance of success with the sleeve than those with a higher BMI?
My definition of "success" being that you lose at least most of your excess weight and keep it off for greater than 5 years....

My dr said it's about 90%.

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