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[Lori Orr 29]

My name is Lori and I have considered this surgery for a couple years. Funny, I was always scared of having such an invasive procedure done, but now that I have finally made the decision to do it, I'm afraid I will be declined.

Anyone who has found a surgeon who would operate on them with a BMI of 29, 30, 31? I'm 5'5" and, through no fault of my own, my weight fluctuates between 183 and 198. The trouble is, I don't eat a lot of sweets, or fast food, or drink sodas. Most of the time, I barely eat. But why do I have to starve myself just to be overweight instead of obese?

I'm 42 years old. I have had 3 kids, and five more for other families as a surrogate mom. I was a normal weight growing up until my 2nd child was born. I ballooned from 140 pounds to 205 in a couple weeks. Was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroid. I have battled my weight and blood pressure ever since. I am being treated for my thyroid condition with Levothyroxine 125 mcg per day. No the doctor refuses to bump it up any further.

For 6 years, I kept a food journal, eating between 1200-1400 calories a day working out steadily for 6 hours. I walked 8 miles a day, plus I went to the gym everyday and walked an additional 2 miles at 3.5-4.0 mph, 1 hour on weight machines, and one class, usually the quick fit. I worked out religiously those 6 years at that pace 6 days a week. I never got below 165. When I left my husband, I became so sick and so depressed that I didn't eat at all. I was a dog groomer and on my feet for 9-10 hours a day, sometimes without a break. At that time, I think I got down to 158 before I was put on Prozac and began feeling better. I plateaued at 178 after that. Now I'm at a sedentary job with the State and up to 188 to 198, depending on the day. I try to eat healthy, and since I binge when I'm bored, I've began eating 3 small meals a day. Still can't below 183, and typically bounce back to 188.

You guys, I'm just so scared I will be denied for this surgery and I don't know what else to do. I am so sick of feeling sick and tired every day. I cannot continue to look and feel like this!

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@Lori Orr It's unlikely that you will be able to get surgery in the States. You may want to look into going to Mexico to a reputable surgeon. It sounds as though you may have harmed your metabolism with excess dieting / exercise and your body is fighting to keep the weight now. Eating too little is just as bad as eating too much. There are a few low BMI people who have had surgery but I believe the majority of them had them outside of the US and self-paid. Good luck.

[Lori Orr 29]

Thank you. The surgeon I'm waiting to hear back from is in Mexico.

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@Lori Orr Do a search for LOW BMI and there's quite a few threads with people with similar BMIs that had surgery.

[Lori Orr 29]

I may be doing it wrong, but I searched for low BMI sleeve surgery and the only thing that comes up is my own message. I have been reading through the forums, though, and finding good info. Thank you so much for your help. They said two or three days until the doctor contacts me, and I haven't heard back from him or the coordinator.

[24601 211]

Yep, I had surgery in Mexico at a bmi of 29. It has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am 5'8.5", and started at 190 lbs. It has been 10 months, and I am now just barely barely barely in the normal bmi range. I think if I lose less than a lb I am considered underweight. And I have been within a lb or two of my current weight for about 4 months. I am 123 lbs now. I ran 8 miles a couple of days ago and average about 27 miles a week. I do taekwondo twice a week. I look awesome in clothes, and can wear a swimsuit without a coverup for the first time in 13 years. I am so active because it is so easy and fun to move my body that it is a pleasure to push it! For the first time in my life I exercise because it makes me feel good, not to lose weight. So I am kind of skinny and some might say too skinny, but I would take it a million times over being overweight before, and the everyday mental battle was sooooo hard. Anyway, I am babbling. But I highly recommend it!

[Lori Orr 29]

That is so awesome!!! I'm past scared and just plain excited. Since I've been reading here, I have absolutely no reservations about what I'm about to do. I'm so excited for how my life is going to change now that I will have the tools I need for success.

As of today, no word from Dr. Garcia. It's been three days. Four days if you consider the first day I filled out my questionnaire. If he denies me, I have a choice of three other doctors who I am sure will take me.

That being said, which doctor did you use?

[mkwilliams8815 0]

I also have hypothyroidism. Just had a dr appointment and she set up a refural for a bypass seminar for me to attend at the end of October. I've got every feeling going on right now that's possible! Lol I have never been able to loose weight and keep it off! Worried I'd be doing a major surgery for nothing! :-(

Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

[Lori Orr 29]

I don't think ever the surgery will be for nothing. That's the cold feet trying to trick you into running. No matter the trials and tribulations ahead, you have what it takes to succeed. You just need the tools! Go get those tools!!!!

[Lori Orr 29]

Letting you all know I was denied by doctor of choice. What a let down...because my BMI fluctuates between 29 and 30. They want me steady at 30 BMI. I'm sad because this awful to yoyo pattern has got to be damaging my body more than any surgery would.

[Lori Orr 29]

Denied by one, accepted by two others. Need info, so going to start a new post.

[Social Introvert 28]

I don't have a low low BMI, but it's right at 35. I'm going to have my surgery in Mexico in December with Dr. Alejandro Lopez in Puerto Vallarta. He also does the surgery in Tijuana. From what I've read and learned from other patients, he and his staff and facilities are top notch! Good luck to you.

[Lori Orr 29]

Good luck to you, too.

I think at this point, I'm going to choose Dr. Illan. I'm very impressed so far with the information I have come up with.