Hello,

This is my first post!

I'm 47, 5'5" and 185lbs, which puts me at BMI of 31 (just into the obese category). I have a medium build. I was a slim child, but I've yo-yo dieted for most of my adult life, getting to my lowest weight of 148 about 3 years ago (strict diet, active job), and of course it's crept back on. This is pretty much the highest I've been though, at about 50lbs overweight. I don't have any other health problems that I'm aware of.

Weight runs in my family, and both my mother and (older) sister have had VSG with good results. Both were a lot heavier than me. I'm starting to think this may be the way I should go too, as I sit here feeling totally defeated about the prospect of starting, and failing, yet another New Year's diet. I've read enough to know that don't want a lap band.

I would need to self-pay and travel to get the surgery, and at a BMI of 31 I would qualify.

Having had people close to me go through the travel, surgery and recovery with no regrets, I'm pretty aware of what's involved, but am trying to figure out if it's 'worth it' for someone as relatively lightweight as me? I would really love input from other people who were similar low BMI and to hear their experiences.

Thanks!

_{Hi there,}

_{My situation was slightly different than yours, and yet similar when it comes to the low BMI.}

_{I'm actually a band to sleeve revision patient. I had several issues with my sleeve but did manage to lose about 90 pds with it. Due to these complications, I had to have it removed. At that time, I weighed 155 pds standing at 5 2 1/2". Yes, I was almost at goal but was SO terrified over regaining the weight I had lost (245 at my starting weight) that I decided to go for the sleeve. Let me just say that it was the BEST decision I EVER made!!! I wish I had done this in the first place, but.. you can't live in regret.}

_{I haven't lost a ton of additional weight, but my average weight stays around 137 / 138. I'm thankful for the surgery & thankful it was successful. Sometimes I wish I could weight closer to 130 pds, but my gosh, I can't really complain. I went from a size 22, almost 24, to a now size 8.}

_{While we're all different, I believe you will be very happy & satisfied with your results!}

_{Best of luck!}

_Fran

Since you are at the lower end of the scale, may I suggest before you jump in, try living the VSG lifestyle? Since you have family that live it daily, it should be easy to do what they are doing. It might give you what you need to make your decision. Remember, it is irreversible. Good luck to you!

@@Tubbs216 Do whatever makes you happy. Life is short. Good luck

If you feel this is right for you, go for it! Just know that it's not going to be "the easy way out". Although its a wonderful tool, you will still have to eat right (lean protein, low carbs) and move your body so you can get the biggest bang for your buck from the surgery. Also know that because you are a lightweight, the weight may take a bit longer to come off than someone with a little more to lose. Now that I'm about your weight now, I'm stalling frequently and my weight loss has slowed considerably. I know at this point I'm going to have to work really hard to get this last 40 some pounds off. But yeah, if this is what you want to do, go for it

Since you are at the lower end of the scale, may I suggest before you jump in, try living the VSG lifestyle? Since you have family that live it daily, it should be easy to do what they are doing. It might give you what you need to make your decision. Remember, it is irreversible. Good luck to you!

Okay, but what about regain? She just said that she's been a yo yo dieter her whole life...as was I. I could lose like gangbusters. Lost over 50-60 lbs many, many times. But the thing that will be different for me this time is I now have a tool that will help me prevent regain if I stay diligent and work it properly. I didn't have this surgery just to lose the weight...I am in this for the long haul. That may be just what she needs, also.

Go for it!! I myself only have 60lbs to loose but I know it's a matter of my health. So I decided to cash pay and get it done, I know it will be the best thing to happen for me. I'm go in march 11 2015! Yeyy!!

Okay, but what about regain? She just said that she's been a yo yo dieter her whole life...as was I. I could lose like gangbusters. Lost over 50-60 lbs many, many times. But the thing that will be different for me this time is I now have a tool that will help me prevent regain if I stay diligent and work it properly. I didn't have this surgery just to lose the weight...I am in this for the long haul. That may be just what she needs, also.

Yes, this is exactly where I am. I KNOW I can lose at least some of the weight - enough to feel healthier and look better - but I dread all the feelings that come when I inevitably regain. Am also conscious that at 47 it's not as easy to lose as it was when I was 30.

Thanks for all the perspectives. Lots of thinking to do...

I am 45 and My BMI was 31 as well and didn't really have much health issues except sleep apnea and occasional heart burn. I chose to do the surgery because I was a yo yo dieter and wanted something to help me long term. Also with every diet I did I was always starving so very crabby all the time. Yes you have to make smart food choices and workout but I've found it much easier since I am not constantly thinking about food and irritable. (BTW I was working out 5 days a week but still had a BMI of 31 so that part was easy for to start backup after surgery)

I had to self pay as my insurance would only cover it if my BMI was 35...I thought about gaining 20 lbs but then realized I'd be miserable so started looking at the costs. I was too scared to go to Mexico and did not have to travel as I found a great place local. I ended up using my Health Savings Account which is tax free money. You just have to have a letter stating it's not cosmetic. My insurance has paid for the blood work and nutritionist cost. And the phsych so that was a nice bonus I wasn't expecting.

Was it worth it? Hell YEAH!! I am only 9 weeks out and I am wearing a size 2 I am smaller than when I did weight watchers, Nutrisystem, HCG, Phen Phen etc. and I feel like I can keep this going. I never felt that way on the diets I was doing. It was always hard to stick to 1200 calories. I was always hungry.

Good luck-

LA

I am 45 and My BMI was 31 as well and didn't really have much health issues except sleep apnea and occasional heart burn. I chose to do the surgery because I was a yo yo dieter and wanted something to help me long term. Also with every diet I did I was always starving so very crabby all the time. Yes you have to make smart food choices and workout but I've found it much easier since I am not constantly thinking about food and irritable. (BTW I was working out 5 days a week but still had a BMI of 31 so that part was easy for to start backup after surgery)

I had to self pay as my insurance would only cover it if my BMI was 35...I thought about gaining 20 lbs but then realized I'd be miserable so started looking at the costs. I was too scared to go to Mexico and did not have to travel as I found a great place local. I ended up using my Health Savings Account which is tax free money. You just have to have a letter stating it's not cosmetic. My insurance has paid for the blood work and nutritionist cost. And the phsych so that was a nice bonus I wasn't expecting.

Was it worth it? Hell YEAH!! I am only 9 weeks out and I am wearing a size 2 I am smaller than when I did weight watchers, Nutrisystem, HCG, Phen Phen etc. and I feel like I can keep this going. I never felt that way on the diets I was doing. It was always hard to stick to 1200 calories. I was always hungry.

Good luck-

LA

Wow, that is amazing. Good for you! Are you worried about losing TOO much weight? I can't imagine that being a problem, but I guess it could be for lower BMI people. Do they make the sleeve any bigger if you don't have so much to lose?

Yes, this is exactly where I am. I KNOW I can lose at least some of the weight - enough to feel healthier and look better - but I dread all the feelings that come when I inevitably regain. Am also conscious that at 47 it's not as easy to lose as it was when I was 30.

Thanks for all the perspectives. Lots of thinking to do...

Hey! We are the same age! And yes, you are correct. Me being a little older has definitely caused me to lose a little slower than others. All that matters to me is I'm still losing and NOT gaining

As for what I mentioned in my first reply, the suggestion for trying the lifestyle was meant to get an idea if the VSG lifestyle is going to be what you want/don't want to do, can/cannot do...You could try it for a day, or however long you wish. Regain is always possible, as it is if we don't follow our programs after the surgery. Life is full of risks, but if you get a chance to "try it on" before you commit, I think that's a great opportunity!

As for what I mentioned in my first reply, the suggestion for trying the lifestyle was meant to get an idea if the VSG lifestyle is going to be what you want/don't want to do, can/cannot do...You could try it for a day, or however long you wish. Regain is always possible, as it is if we don't follow our programs after the surgery. Life is full of risks, but if you get a chance to "try it on" before you commit, I think that's a great opportunity!

Yes, it's a good idea. Thank you for the suggestion

@Tubbs, I am 45 and 5'4" and weighed 188lb when I had surgery on 12/31/14 (BMI 32)... a mere four days ago (self pay). My final weight goal is somewhere between 135 and 142; I'll just have to see how I feel when I get close to goal. I have yoyo dieted for years. I love to exercise, have run multiple 1/2 marathons, one full marathon, was a certified personal trainer in my 20s and 30s. Then I gained 18 pounds in one year. Was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It's been a huge struggle trying to get and maintain a healthy weight! In 2012, my endocrinologist prescribed phentermine and I was able to lose down to 155, but as soon as I stopped taking it... well, the weight came back and more! Ugh! It was so frustrating. Then I recently had a hysterectomy and my GYN told me I really needed to lose weight. So I went to a health/wellness clinic to have all my blood work done... high cholesterol, pre-diabetic, and they wanted me to do a sleep study (because I snore really loud... my poor hubby wears ear plugs at night to sleep!). Well, I asked the wellness doctor, "if the sleep study shows I have sleep apnea, what will be the next step?" And he said, "Wearing a CPAP machine every night." I cried. Instead of treating a symptom of my snoring (sleep apnea), I wanted to treat the real problem... my weight! So I started researching and talking to hubby. Thankful he was completely on board and even plans to have VSG soon too (insurance will pay for him, so he has to go through six months of appointments). At first I was thinking lap band, but once I educated myself I decided the sleeve would be the best option for me. I had my first visit with the surgeon on 12/5/14 and my surgery was 12/31/14... quick! All that to say, four days ago I had surgery and I am thrilled. Yes, it's hard, but I know this tool will allow me to get to a healthy weight. I have to do the work and it won't be easy, but I am committed. Some research that I've read says that low BMI patients have a great success rate. I hope this has encouraged you to continue researching and meet with a qualified surgeon to see if you are a good candidate. If yes, I would say, "GO FOR IT! Become a healthier YOU!" Best of luck!

Edited January 5, 201511 yr by JaneJaneDoe

I would say, "GO FOR IT! Become a healthier YOU!" Best of luck!

Thanks so much. It's great to hear from people who have a similar background to me. I'm getting more excited about the idea of finally finding a tool to help me get on top of my weight problem long term.

I'm unsure how to broach the subject with my husband now...

I think the only person who can decide if it's right for you is you. That being said, when I was 185, it took me about 4 pounds to drop down into the 130's, and of course then I gained it right back. I still think, knowing the challenges and benefits of the sleeve, that if I had only been 185, I would have gone for the more traditional route without surgery and I feel like, just like the 10 times in the past I would have gained it right back. I have successfully maintained in the 130 range for almost 4 months, which is the longest I have been at this weight my entire adult life. The sleeve allows me to eat like a normal person in the sense that I can have a few bites and not have the need to eat an entire box of anything. Despite that though, I can't eat quickly or much without puking, so I sacrificed eating like a normal person to be thin. So far I'm ok with the tradeoff.