Finding the courage to get gastric sleeve done in Mexico with a BMI of 33

[CR0610 11]

How are u doing everyone? I have similar stats and share this same story only I’m having removal of my lapband to MGB in 6 days and am doubting myself every second. I know I want to be healthy but it is a huge risk and hate to see it fail like the first.

[nssmia 29]

That is of course great advice and I would agree but unfortunately I have pretty much exhausted all the other alternatives. I have taken Saxenda before for about three to four months. It was incredibly expensive and I did not lose weight on it. I have tried every FDA approved weight loss drug out there—Qysmia, belviq, and phentermine. This leads me to my next response about the nutritionist— that is where I got the prescription to try these meds out. I have gone to various nutritionists and still see one every four weeks. Unfortunately, although I really do appreciate your help and advice, I’ve tried most nonsurgical methods and I’ve had limited if not no success. I totally see your point that I should definitely try to exhaust all options before turning to surgery—you make complete sense but I really have tried almost everything. At this point I need to see some initial weight loss to keep me motivated to keep on the plan. With every failed attempt I gain more and more and I have to put a stop to this. It really is affecting all aspects of my everyday life.
Thank you though for caring enough to post. It’s been a long, hard, and painful road that has led me to this. I did not come to this decision easily or by any means without years of trying and failing over and over again.

My bmi is 33. Weight 203. 5'6. I'm in the same boat you're in. Tried everything. Really need to get this 40 lb off. I feel I've made the right decision by having the sleeve. Will be doing it late May. YOU DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS BEST FOR YOU

Sent from my SM-J727V using BariatricPal mobile app

[ypease 177]

Have you worked with a Nutritionist re your diet? I'm scheduled for a Sleeve on 10/1/19. I, too have tried everything without success. However, I have to admit, my first 3 visits with a Nutritionist was eye opening. I'm Vegan and while you might think that veganism is a very healthy "plant based" option, I was surprised at just how wrong you can go eating vegan! I now think differently about my food choices. Still eat vegan, just some major adjustments to my shopping list in regards to my selections. Yes, I still see her even though we are at odds re my upcoming surgery.

I feel I am really ready for my surgery now. I have lost some weight, however, I have other issues at play that tend to make weight loss/gain difficult. Good luck on your Quest.

[newlifeat41 37]

On 4/22/2019 at 8:04 PM, nssmia said:

My bmi is 33. Weight 203. 5'6. I'm in the same boat you're in. Tried everything. Really need to get this 40 lb off. I feel I've made the right decision by having the sleeve. Will be doing it late May. YOU DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS BEST FOR YOU

Sent from my SM-J727V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you for that encouragement. It is now almost one year since I’ve had my sleeve done and I can happily say it was the right decision for me. I started at 205 pounds the day of surgery (lost 7 pounds during the preop diet) and I’m now 165 pounds (only 10 pounds away from goal). That may not seem like a big weight loss but I’ve maintained it for like 6 months so far. I feel great, confident, and like I have my life back.

[ypease 177]

With all the adverse side effects of prescription weight loss meds, I’m really surprised a nutritionist would advocate for a client to use them.

[nssmia 29]

My nutritionist never discussed them. She recommends all natural, Vitamins and minerals no artificial ingredients. Don't know why a nutritionist would do that

[Frustr8 7,886]

You wonder at that, I wonder why a gastroenterologist would offer only a balloon to a 51 BMI as a bariatric solution? Was it just that he could do that here instead of travelling 50 miles to Columbus? Always felt in my ❤ I wanted and needed a RNY with the degree of GERD I had doubted a balloon would have bl8cked off reflux enough.

[osito80 5]

read this study on bariatric surgery performed on lower BMI patients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5803286/

opinions and anecdotes are good to form a support system but look to research to be fully informed re: low bmi barbaric surgery.