OK so every time I look for support and share pics and goals I get"no offense but you're not big enough for surgery" or something of that nature. Making me feel like I don't belong or that I'm making a mistake with wls. I went from 218lbs to 140ish to 170 to 211lbs and about 15 years ago was the last time I saw a size 6. I have an unhealthy bmi, had to have my gallbladder out and have problems with my feet. No I don't have blood pressure problems, I'm not diabetic, nor am I 300lbs plus. Do I really need to wait for all of that to happen in order to qualify in some people's eyes to do something about it? So many people on here say their only regret is that they didn't do this sooner before all these health issues arose and yet come down on me for actually not waiting for it to be that far along. In my opinion, we're all in the same boat. Doesn't matter if you're 500 lbs or 200 lbs. If you're at an unhealthy bmi and miserable and need this to be healthy and to help you get and stay on track then we are all the same. I would never go on to someone's post who was heavier than me and say something like"how could you wait till it got this bad" and I feel like that's what they are saying to me in reverse when they come on and challenge my reasons for needing and wanting this procedure. I'm sorry, but my feelings are hurt and I feel like I'm alone in this at times because I'm not as big as some feel I should be to consider this. I've lost and re gained 70- 95lbs on the average over the past 15 years or so. I'm good with my decision even if no one else is. I'm going to be successful and maintain a healthy lifestyle and look and feel fabulous for the rest of my life. That is what I want. Sorry if this feels like a rant. It's not meant to be. Just feeling hurt and alone today.

I can totally relate to you. I'm 5'4" and weigh 243lbs. Everyone tells me that I'm not big enough to get such an extreme surgery done because my weight is proportioned evenly. They look at me and you can't weigh that much. One dummy even told me "remember what happened to Kanye's momma"...Seriously!? (completely different...I think she died while getting liposuction?)

I have decided that after 3 c-sections, pregnancy weight gain on average of 45lbs., going from a size 12 to a 22 it was time for me to do something for me that will ensure I am here to spent time with my husband, children and future grandchildren.

I applaud anyone who takes their life seriously and actively seeks to be healthier. You go Girl!!! I'm standing with you!

I had the sleeve surgery in June. I was 187 lbs, 5.4" tall, BMI about 31.

I travelled to Jordan to have the op as no doctor would do it in Europe. The best decision of my life. within 6 months I was down to my current weight of about 141 lbs. I'm healthy and happy. I'm a UK size 8, US 4.

I'll try to put a couple of pictures up. :-)

Just because we did not get to a desperate stage of weight, it doesn't mean that we have no right to do whatever we can to make ourselves healthy and happy. Trying all my life and being 46, I knew I couldn't just loose it and keep it off.

Go for it, you will not regret it...

:-)

Yay for taking your life and future into your own hands! I think it's great! Wish I had done it at your stage instead of waiting... Course for me that would have been b4 gastric sleeve was really available and it's been perfect for me so I guess for that I'm glad I waited.

I get what your saying totally. My BMI is 32 & I'm 5'4". I take medication which doesn't help with controlling my weight, but I will be on them for life. Why do I have to wait till I have more weight issues to deal with, so I am having the sleeve on Monday. I know I can't tell people because they will be totally judgemental but as long as my closest family know & are supportive is enough for me. I'm also pale & people like to remind me how "white" I am. Why can't people just mind their own business when it comes to picking fault or differences at others. I hope you well in your journey & know that the Drs wouldn't let you do it either if they thought you weren't a candidate. All the best!

I'm already sleeved but am wondering about someone I know -- how low are the self pay US docs willing to go with the bmi? Is it basically at least 30?

I was a low bmi at the time of surgery and have had really fantastic results. Very little recovery pain. Very few food intolerances. I had stalls here and there but never paid them any mind. They came and went and the weight continued to drop. Right now my daily focus is on hitting my hydration goal (I've always struggled with this) and taking in enough calories to maintain my weight. Who would have thunk...it's become hard work to eat 1000 calories per day!

I am 5'6"

Surgery day I was 197 lbs and size 16 pants.

Eight months later I am 133 lbs and a size 2.

I am coming to grips with the fact that I am a thin woman now. My friend said I looked tiny yesterday, and indeed..in pictures I see that I do look small and tiny. It's be so fun! Also challenging with lots of "head" work. Lots. But I am so happy to have done this at a low bmi. I could have waited a couple of years and gone back up to 240 lbs or waited until I was older and my kids were older. I could have waited until the health problems started showing up. But instead I decided to do something brave and unconventional to end the unhealthy food relationship I had and start with a blank slate. So far it's worked out well.

I am right here with you all. I have a BMI of 30 but at almost 5'10" I tend to carry it well and most people don't see what I see. I've battled obesity for 25+ years and am ready to be happy and healthy in my body. Yes I have had some success with other weight loss programs but it always creeps back!

I can relate too. My surgery is Thursday and I'm 5'3 and weigh 192. My highest weight (not pregnant) was 211 and my pre diet weight was 199. I have been on a diet, clearly unsuccessful, for a decade. In high school, I was overweight after losing my maternal grandmother (graduated high school at 196). I joined weight watchers and got down to 140 and felt amazing! But, I gained it all back and then some slowly over the years. I'm sick of being fat and I can't seem to lose on my own. I workout hard (boot camp style) and I have been monitoring my food intake for so long and tried countless diets. I just can't seem to knock this. I've now been diagnosed with hypertension and hypothyroidism. I don't want my health to deteriorate further. I pray the sleeve is my answer and will help. I'm 30 and want my 30s to be amazing!

Good luck Thursday @DroppinLikeItsHot. Keep us posted!

Seems like most of the low BMI'ers are either old bands or self pay. I was banded in 2002 and went from 220-147, till band started having issues. After 4 surgeries to repair the band, my doc said NO MORE!!! That was in 2011, and 40 lbs ago!!! This time I started at 180 with a BMI of 32. I was sleeved 2 weeks ago today and am down 15 lbs. A lot of us have very similar stories, although my age is a bit higher! LOL

Good luck to everyone!!!

I was sleeved 3 weeks ago with a bmi of 31. I have had bmi's of anywhere between 24 and 39 over the years because I have never been able to keep any weight off. I struggled every single day since I started dieting 19 years ago. It had taken over my life. I had never heard of the sleeve until I read up about it 3 weeks before booking it! People who have never had a weight problem think the struggle is over once you have lost weight. But for me thats where the hard work begins. If there was anything, surgery included, that could help me with this struggle then I was going to take it. I dont care what other people's opinions are. Im not asking anything from them so its non of their business. We have made a decision to put a stop to our own misery so stuff them!

How are you feeling @@Princess T ?

I am feeling like I haven't really had anything done! I had some pain after the surgery but it wasnt anything near as bad as I had expected. It only lasted for a few days. Ive had no sickness but have felt a little nauseous at times after a liquid meal. If I do too much in the day I can feel a slight pulling pain on my left side but it just feels as sore as touching a bruise. I am on liquids for another week then I move on to pureed. I have no trouble taking liquids but the thought of one more meal replacement shake makes me feel ill. They taste far to sweet. I have been drinking a lot of plain milk which satisfies my hunger a little but I need to get back to shakes or I wont be getting enough vitamins or protein. Everyone says I will feel the restriction once I start real food. I cant wait! Ive lost 21lb since I started liquids a week before surgery, so 4 weeks today. But its not been easy! Im quite hungry at times and in need of some energy! But I am determined to do each phase exactly as my surgeon tells me! I am determined this will work for me whatever it takes!

Glad to hear you didn't have much pain, I am sooo nervous! Have you tried any unflavored protein? I like the Genepro, barely has a taste in flavored water or gatorade. And you only need 1 tbs for 30g of protein.

I have never heard of unflavoured protien! I will check it out. I have ordered some juice type isopure but its really hard to get a choice of flavours in England, all the nice flavours are in America! Oh no dont be nervous! It will be fine! I know its easy for me to say now but its not going to be anywhere near as scary as you are thinking it will be! I was expecting the absolute worst pain ever but for the first few days it feels like you have done too many sit ups and you've woken up with achy ribs feeling a bit bruised. Its wasnt like the type of pain I expected after an op. I wasnt sick at all but the hospital had anti sickness meds at the ready to sort that out if I did. I was on a drip for fluids for the first 24 hours so I didnt feel hungry or thirsty. The worst part is having to put up with the liquid diet. Mines for 4 weeks,then pureed food but some are on pureed after a week! When are you going in for yours?