Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Not enough weight for surgery



Recommended Posts

9 hours ago, Slimmy-mommeee said:

So I have a 38.8 bmi, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes (barely and the number has gone down) and my insurance approved me for surgery on 3/2/20. I'm really excited but I keep feeling like like I'm not heavy enough for surgery. Does anyone else with a bmi under 40 feel that way? The crazy thing is I'm in constant pain from my joints neck and back so I'm not sure why these doubt keep coming.

You should look at this from a different perspective. You have fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes as well as pain in your joints neck and back. Would you rather become fatter and acquire more problems before you resolve your weight issue? It is never too soon to take steps to improve your health. Losing weight is the most important step for many. You are making the brave choice to do what you need to do to get it done. Don't feel guilty about doing it! You know... first I was embarrassed and did not show my actual "weights" in my stats, thinking I was too lightweight to share with everyone here... when many weigh hundreds of pounds more than me. Then I realized over time, there are a lot of us lower BMI people on this website, just like me. And ALL of us, high bmi and lower bmi... we all have the same goals. To get to a healthier weight for a healthier body. The only difference is how much weight we have to lose and how fast we get to our goals. But... we all have to work to get there! And BTW, you will notice my actual weights are in my stats and ticker now. I changed it earlier this week. No reason not to share!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You should look at this from a different perspective. You have fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes as well as pain in your joints neck and back. Would you rather become fatter and acquire more problems before you resolve your weight issue? It is never too soon to take steps to improve your health. Losing weight is the most important step for many. You are making the brave choice to do what you need to do to get it done. Don't feel guilty about doing it! You know... first I was embarrassed and did not show my actual "weights" in my stats, thinking I was too lightweight to share with everyone here... when many weigh hundreds of pounds more than me. Then I realized over time, there are a lot of us lower BMI people on this website, just like me. And ALL of us, high bmi and lower bmi... we all have the same goals. To get to a healthier weight for a healthier body. The only difference is how much weight we have to lose and how fast we get to our goals. But... we all have to work to get there! And BTW, you will notice my actual weights are in my stats and ticker now. I changed it earlier this week. No reason not to share!
Thanks that is very encouraging and makes me glad I joined this forum. I know a lot of people dont like disclosing they are getting wls and I didnt quite understand. But now I do. I'm not certain if people think it's flattering for them to say I dont need to do this or they are ill informed. Either way I could do without their unsolicited opinions. A few close friends were not supportive until I explained my comorbidities. And I dont want to explain that to anybody else...it's my body and my health. How did you handle friends ds and family knowing? Did you tell anyone?

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

To tell or not to tell.... well that depends on how much you want people in your business and telling YOU what they think YOU should do and be...... Because trust in the fact that once you tell them, they will have an opinion. In 2009 when i had the band SX at first i only told family and a few close friends.... Well family told and so did the friends before i knew it..... EVERYONE knew.... and EVERYONE had something to say.... Mostly woman. Men were, good for you you look great. Woman were, you didn't need that, you weren't fat enough, or... I know of 2 people that died from WLS... Can't you just lose it with diet and exercise...?.... Really, of course, i can.. but keeping it off is a whole other problem. Then after they will start with the.... your too thin, how much are you going to lose.... blah blah blah..... So then i had to have my band removed and put back 30lbs.... and i know those same people were looking at me and waiting for me to get back up to 232lbs...... Hell no.

So, in those years, i divorced my husband of 26 years (he was not a supporter and hated my WL). Started dating an incredible man... He got a work promotion and asked me to move with him. My kids are grown and nothing to hold me back.... So i moved with him. I went from a town where everyone knows everyone to... NO ONE knew me.... In August i had the sleeve done (paid OOP 14K). I told my co-workers i was having a hernia repair (which was true). They also knew i was dieting for my pending wedding (we married this past September), so the WL was very excepting. Still only he knows and that's the way it will stay. It's sooooooo much better not telling. Not that im embarrassed... im not, it's just easier.

5'2" band SW 232 BMI 42, Sleeve SW 173.5 BMI 31.7............... today, 133.4 BMI 24.4 (Normal weight) I never had any co morbids.... not even at my heaviest.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My starting BMI was 39.7 (with hypertension and high cholesterol) and after about 6 months of participating in the medically supervised weight loss program, my BMI is about 29.8. During the first few months of participating in the program I thought strongly about not pursuing surgery. However after giving it serious thought and reviewing my own personal weight loss history of having gained and lost about 500 lbs in my life and discussing with my surgeon it really became clear that this is the right (and really only) decision for me.

My hope is that I can finally get down to a weight I’ve always tried to get to, have come close to, but have never attained (about 185 lbs, BMI would be about 26 but I have a good amount of muscle mass). More than that, though, I hope to use the surgery as a tool to lock in long-term habits and changes so that I can maintain the weight loss long term and stop all this yo-yo’ing I’ve been doing for 20 years.

Just sharing in the event this perspective is helpful.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Slimmy-mommeee said:

I can't wait to enjoy clothes shopping again! And hiking with my boys. I truly want my life back. In college i was very physically active. After children, marriage (then divorce) that part of me got buried.Now my boys are older and I dont plan on having anymore babies, it's time to love me again.


Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

Clothes shopping gets harder LOL.. I find myself still going to the plus size sections. I recommend not buying a lot as you get to smaller sizes as the clothes only last a month or so. Last year i donated over 500 items. Now.. i buy maybe 3 or 4 outfits only and wait till the last possible moment to buy the next size down. My BMI was a lot higher, and no co morbidities, but nevertheless... i waited way to long but there is a reason for everything! I am glad i am on this journey.. Now i am trying to figure out how to stop the weight loss as i dont want to be too small LOL

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, BadWolfGirl said:

I only had surgery a little over 2 weeks ago. I'm down 20 pounds. I had zero complications and very little to no pain. Was home the next afternoon and walking a ton. I feel great. Just saw the surgeon and my PCP and am already off four medications.

Who is your surgeon? I am from the CR area, but live in Missouri now. My first surgeon from Iowa has passed away I heard.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Who is your surgeon? I am from the CR area, but live in Missouri now. My first surgeon from Iowa has passed away I heard.
Dr. Christopherson

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, Slimmy-mommeee said:

Your absolutely right. How bad should my health be before I took action? Deep down I know I'm making the right decision. I must be having those infamous preop jitters. Also people's opinions are getting in my head. Now everyone is an expert about my life...lol. Thanks alot!

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

And always will be if they believe their opinions carry any weight

Good Luck ❤

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Slimmy-mommeee said:

Thanks that is very encouraging and makes me glad I joined this forum. I know a lot of people dont like disclosing they are getting wls and I didnt quite understand. But now I do. I'm not certain if people think it's flattering for them to say I dont need to do this or they are ill informed. Either way I could do without their unsolicited opinions. A few close friends were not supportive until I explained my comorbidities. And I dont want to explain that to anybody else...it's my body and my health. How did you handle friends ds and family knowing? Did you tell anyone?

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

Initially I didn't really tell anyone. I wanted to be secretive in the beginning and I was... but that has slowly changed. So... I first started talking with a co-worker about it. She had it done 4 years ago (I was September 2019). I got a lot of support initially from her. I waited to tell my husband until I NEEDED him to know. Why/When did I need him to know? After my first appointments with my surgeon and nutritionist and I had to tell him because I was leaving the country for 5 weeks and I needed him to help me schedule some appointments for pre-surgery testing. He did NOT want me to have surgery. He made that very clear. But I insisted I was doing it, so he begrudgingly (sort of) helped me make appointments. He still tried to talk me out of surgery until the DAY OF surgery. He was scared I would die or something. But... he was also the one who took care of me in the hospital. Now he is proud of me for getting my health back. My daugther: I told her a few days before I had the surgery, only because she lives with me and she needed to know why I would spend the night in the hospital and then not go to work for a while. She is 16. She thinks it was stupid I had the surgery, but she doesn't give me much flak about it. My sons: I waited until a month after surgery to tell them, only when 1 was coming home for a visit. Both boys were surprised I did it, but they didn't really say anything bad about it. My younger son is still trying to just figure out what my new diet is lol. Co-workers: I ended up telling a couple before surgery and I knew they would be supportive. Otherwise, I was keeping it a secret initially. I still have not told the rest of my family (parents/siblings etc). I have no plans to tell anyone else. I did end up eventually telling everyone in my main office building and a few in other buildings that I work with... very selective with people outside my building. I will tell you, I was shocked at how interested and how supportive almost everyone has been! I get the most judgement from my own immediate family, but even that hasn't been unbearable or anything. My husband's reaction was out of fear for my health and safety. My daughter, just because she is 16 and judgmental of everything (mom and dad are ALWAYS an embarrassment stage). The only negative reaction I got from others was from someone who is much bigger than I was, who needs something like this much more than I did. And really... other than whatever she said in the first minutes after learning that I had surgery.... she has simply not talked to me much since. And that is OK with me. She isn't ready to face having surgery herself, so I won't talk about mine unless she asks. And she won't. And that is OK. If she changes her mind, I will share my experience. So... all in all... I am now happy to share with the people I am willing to share with. And the rest? If they figure it out, fine. If they don't, that is great too! I will tell you also, I have another co-worker who has asked a ton of questions and is now in the beginning stages of considering surgery for herself. I am so glad she knows she can come to me for support/guidance and I am happy to help her and anyone else thinking about going through the process.

Hope this helps!

Edited to add... my PCP was the one who referred me to my bariatric surgeon. She was great about it. My sleep Apnea doc didn't really say much. My OBGYN didn't care either way (But when I asked for more IV fluids for a procedure shortly after my VSG, he was happy to order them). Haven't seen my cardiologist since I decided to have surgery, but he wanted me to lose weight. If he isn't supportive or gives me a hard time about it, I would probably just switch docs. But I like this guy and I think he will be happy my weight is down.

Edited by momof3_angels

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, BayougirlMrsS said:

To tell or not to tell.... well that depends on how much you want people in your business and telling YOU what they think YOU should do and be...... Because trust in the fact that once you tell them, they will have an opinion.

I think this is definitely true for family and friends. That is why I am not telling my parents/siblings and more extended family. None of their business! Just my husband and kids because they are MY family. But thankfully I haven't gotten this from co-workers. Mind you, I only told a couple pre-op so there was nothing to talk me out of by the time most found out. Post-Op... almost everyone has been great. And they all have varying degrees of interest, but it has been overwhelmingly positive!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Jazzy1125 said:

Clothes shopping gets harder LOL.. I find myself still going to the plus size sections. I recommend not buying a lot as you get to smaller sizes as the clothes only last a month or so. Last year i donated over 500 items. Now.. i buy maybe 3 or 4 outfits only and wait till the last possible moment to buy the next size down. My BMI was a lot higher, and no co morbidities, but nevertheless... i waited way to long but there is a reason for everything! I am glad i am on this journey.. Now i am trying to figure out how to stop the weight loss as i dont want to be too small LOL

Yes, those of us with lower BMI's are very likely to go from XL or plus size to normal sizes very fast. I initially only bought workout clothes while I was on FMLA. When I knew I had to go back to work, I ordered size large Tunics and stretchy work appropriate pants. I figured the tunics would cover the tighter then looser pants. And they did. But... about a month later they were way too big still. I am 5 months out. I wear a size 8 pants with medium tops most of the time, but am also wearing some size 6 and smalls.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Slimmy-mommeee said:

I can't wait to enjoy clothes shopping again! And hiking with my boys. I truly want my life back. In college i was very physically active. After children, marriage (then divorce) that part of me got buried.Now my boys are older and I dont plan on having anymore babies, it's time to love me again.


Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

I recall jumping off a stile on a walk a few months in. There was no earthquake, my bones didn’t jar and I was like omg!!!!

enjoy. It’s all worth it xxx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, Slimmy-mommeee said:

So I have a 38.8 bmi, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes (barely and the number has gone down) and my insurance approved me for surgery on 3/2/20. I'm really excited but I keep feeling like like I'm not heavy enough for surgery. Does anyone else with a bmi under 40 feel that way? The crazy thing is I'm in constant pain from my joints neck and back so I'm not sure why these doubt keep coming.

Welcome to the forums!

While I have a higher BMI and a couple of comorbidities that my insurance was like, WOAH! Get that girl in Surgery! I understand your feelings. Before settling in this time for WLS, I had started the process a couple of other times. The first time, even the surgeon said I wasn't heavy enough, and I didn't have any comorbidities at the time. So I dropped it for a few years. The next time I started the process, I made the mistake of, no wait, my husband made the mistake of telling people, who then got all in my business. So I dropped it.

This time, I'm all in, just waiting for my date now. I would like to say the only person who knows is my husband, but no, he has "shared" with someone else, who he swears will not tell. Uh huh. Heard that before, but what can I do? He's already told. He just knows not to tell anyone else. I hope. I pray. I have no intention of telling anyone; it's none of their business. All they need to know is that I'm on a medically prescribed diet and exercise program. (All true) That may change over time, but for right now ...

Anyway, long story short is that your worries are completely normal pre-surgery. Come check out other threads on the forums, we have lots of interesting conversations going on, and we are all here to support each other.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×