So after deciding to start this journey, I saw my primary this week for the referral. I have my first appointment with surgeon scheduled in August. Have had some labs done as well. The oddest thing...I've dropped four pounds. In a week. After being stalled for two months. Go figure.

So I wonder if I keep losing weight, will I get approved for surgery? My insurance says I have to be on a six month supervised weight loss before surgery can be scheduled. Even though I may keep losing weight, I know I will gain it back (and more) if I don't get sleeved, based on past history. Just curious if anyone else has had these thoughts?

You're 5'2, correct? If so, you have nothing to worry about unless you drop below 192 (with a comorbid health condition) or below 219 lbs without any comorbidities.

At 5'2, 192 lbs would represent a BMI of 35, while 219 would place you at a 40 BMI.

As a reference, I am 5'1. I qualified for the sleeve through my insurance at 199.7 pounds (37 BMI) and a comorbid condition of elevated cholesterol. On the day I had surgery, I weighed 218 pounds with a BMI of 41. Yes, I had gained weight due to my inability to control my compulsive eating patterns.

Good luck to you!

36 minutes ago, Introversion said:

You're 5'2, correct? If so, you have nothing to worry about unless you drop below 192 (with a comorbid health condition) or below 219 lbs without any comorbidities.

At 5'2, 192 lbs would represent a BMI of 35, while 219 would place you at a 40 BMI.

As a reference, I am 5'1. I qualified for the sleeve through my insurance at 199.7 pounds (37 BMI) and a comorbid condition of elevated cholesterol. On the day I had surgery, I weighed 218 pounds with a BMI of 41. Yes, I had gained weight due to my inability to control my compulsive eating patterns.

Good luck to you!

Thanks so much for the info and encouragement! Completely understand those compulsive eating habits! Has surgery helped as you manage those behaviors?

I'm currently at 220 and have sleep apnea. Not sure about elevated labs yet. Still waiting on results. Hadn't been to my primary in nearly three years and was pre-diabetic when weight was near 245 then. I think I'm getting impatient. After losing 25 pounds this year in supporting my husband in his journey to sleeve, I'm ready to get healthier and feel physically good again.

Thanks again!

Yep! I certainly have. I actually started this journey in 2012 but I kept telling myself if I exercise enough and eat right, I will do it without the surgery. I even went to a seminar with my girlfriend and listened to the people around me tell me horror stories about the band or the surgeries.

Then one day someone pointed out to me that I have been unhappy with my body for 20 years and been trying to lose weight for 10 years. That was my 'come to Jesus' moment. I had to admit that I was unhappy and unsuccessful and that I needed more tools than Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, and the Big Loser could give me.

By that time, I had a BMI of 37.5 and I gave up on all my efforts. That month I gained 13+ pounds.

Now I am jumping through hoops and practicing all the habits I will need to embrace my new life after surgery. Those include chewing my food to the point of pudding, drinking 64 ounces of water a day, journaling, tracking my food and reading a daily inspiration book from NAWLS (National Association of Weight Loss Surgery). I am approaching this with joy. Major tools for getting me to this point were reading and meditation. My doctor has written three books and produced about 12 CDs. I have also gone to iTunes and downloaded an hour long meditation to use as I fall asleep.

I keep reminding myself that WLS is a very effective tool that I can use on my journey to a healthier weight. I would encourage you to read books, research and look into your heart. Good luck. I am rooting for you.

Thanks so much for the positive feedback. I will continue to research and learn all I can about the process. Supporting my husband through his surgery has been a huge eye opener. Also I enjoy going to support meetings with him. It's so helpful to learn along with others as we share our experiences.

Thanks again!