So I was watching my 600lb life last night, I often watch it happy that I hadn't gained that much weight, but I also root for those people too. I couldn't sleep so I wound up watching another show called My weight is killing me, There was a fellow on there he was tall and weighed around 525lb, The Dr. was talking about his BMI which was 61, and how they don't like to operate on people with extremely high BMI that he needs to lose weight before surgery to make it less risky. BOOM MIND BLOWN.... MY BMI at 321 was 67.9 and here I am thinking I hadn't let myself get that far, but because I am so short statured I had let myself get that far, My insurance wanted me to lose only 5% but I did get my BMI down to 52 before surgery, the Dr. didn't even say that's what he wanted. I knew I had a high BMI but I didn't realize really how serious it was, until this show. I really was in denial, comforting myself with the fact that I didn't weigh 600lbs wasn't I, I wouldn't have lived to reach 600lbs.

I think your bmi is based on height and weight. I know I was shocked when I went to my surgeons office before having surgery and was told I was obese and heading towards morbid obesity. that shook me up. I am still considered overweight after losing 65 lbs so it's cause I am so darn short. I watch those shows too just to see how the folks do. I feel so bad for them being 500-700 lbs. . I could hardly walk @ 200 lbs don't know how they function. I like you am always thankful I didn't reach that weight and did decide to get healthier before it got out of hand. I am still very happy with my decision and hope to stay this way for the rest of my life.

I almost reached that weight and I realize how fortunate I was to have a second chance. BMi is based on height and weight and at 5'6 488lbs my BMI was 78.8 the day I walked in and met my Surgeon. He told me if I could lose 5% of my weight and put the work in and if insurance approves it he would give me a tool to use to help turn my life around.

It is unfortunate help is not easily as accessible for others as it was for me. I think all insurance companies should cover bariatrics but I agree with educational side of it. Blindly approving people for it without proper education would be a huge mistake.

Fear of death is a huge motivator it is just unfortunate it came to that but it also taught me a life long lesson that there is no "fix" for obesity and it will forever be work in progress until the final day of my life.

Edit: Not a complaint but rather an observation....I have lost 325+ pounds and I am still in the overweight category. I am sure if I had all the loose skin removed I would be in the norm but let's face it those BMI charts are a joke. My Surgeon even told me they're BS.

Edited January 20, 201511 yr by Jim1967

@@Jim1967 I wish the loose skin surgery was covered, mine doesn't cover it, of course I've got a ways to go before I worry about it, but I can already tell my upper legs are going to look really baggy if I lose the weight I want to lose.

@amponder I hear you about the loose skin. I am yet to investigate it but I have it bad. Skin even sags on my leg area.

Even with excess skin, you are healthier.....right?

I watch those 600 lb shows too. What is it about them that makes me watch and root for those that lose a lot? Amazing results at most times even if they don't get to anyone's "goal". I have read the bmi charts were made by insurance companies and are not accurate. I like that explanation

I root for them on the show as well. I love to see the wonderful results.

And I will watch and root for both of you as well!

I saw James' sorry today. He is an amazing man