I'm looking to talk with anyone who began this journey of weight loss with a BMI of 35 or below. I have had people tell me that I'm too skinny for this surgery. My doctor has recommended the VGS for me because along with my BMI I have also suffered from pain in my lower joints for over 5 years. 8 years ago I had a BMI of 40.8 but through diet and exercise I was able to drop 35-40 pounds. The last 3 years I haven't been able to drop any more weight.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

My BMI is 35. With my insurance, I need to have a BMI of 40+. The only thing my bariatric doctor suggested was a balloon in my stomach for 6 months. After that time, the balloon would be removed. The balloon would be out of pocket. Cost $7000. In mid August I am going to Blossom Bariatric in Las Vegas for VSG. It is out of pocket, but covers hotel stay, testing, ground tranportation and surgery. Check out their website and reviews.

Thank you BSNJ. I am self pay. I'm scheduled for VGS on July 2nd. Just 3 days away. I appreciate hearing from you and wish you all the best. I first considered the balloon but after research decided against it.

1 hour ago, 1GardenGirl said:

I'm looking to talk with anyone who began this journey of weight loss with a BMI of 35 or below. I have had people tell me that I'm too skinny for this surgery. My doctor has recommended the VGS for me because along with my BMI I have also suffered from pain in my lower joints for over 5 years. 8 years ago I had a BMI of 40.8 but through diet and exercise I was able to drop 35-40 pounds. The last 3 years I haven't been able to drop any more weight.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Try not to worry what other people tell you; if you and doctor agreed that WLS is the way to go, then that's what you should do. I think some people tend to think in order to have WLS you need to be 400+ pounds. WLS helps a lot of people with their weight, but also healing joints, getting rid of diseases that can be caused by excess weight, etc.

I had the sleeve and am currently getting a revision to bypass, and am at 35 BMI. Some would say i don't need the surgery, while me and my surgeon have decided that's what's best. Do what you feel is best.

I thought the same for myself & was told the same by people.

I was 192 lbs at 5'5" (size 10), but I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides. I went to the appointment with the surgeon scared he'd deny me but he said he thought I'd be a good candidate because of my other health issues, then I was scared the insurance company would reject me... but my insurance approved my surgery and paid for it.

I will say my weight is coming off much slower than it does for people who have a higher weight to begin with.

But I am 170 lbs now and over 5 weeks post-op.

I say GO FOR IT. It is one of the best decisions I've made for myself (along with lasik surgery). I would have NEVER gotten off of sugar and carbs without the surgery. Now I do NOT want them or need them, especially sugar. ?

Hi I was 5'5" and 209 just like you during my first pre-op visit. 35 BMI. 47 years old but post menopausal due to early meno. Self pay. Came in wanting sleeve but doc convinced me RNY was the way to go due to my long history of moderate GERD. Covid postponed my original surgery date and I ate like crazy during those 2.5 months. So I had surgery 20 days ago at weight 217. My goal is 154 which is considered the healthy weight for my height. I weighed myself this morning and I've lost 15 pounds In 3 weeks. Not gonna lie. It's been rough. Yesterday had an odd episode of vomiting/retching for 2 hours due to unexplained pain in my stomach after eating 1oz fish. Miserable. Almost ended up in the ER. Then it just passed. Today I'm focusing recovery (sore everywhere) and on pooping (constipated). I don't feel great. Not even good yet. But I'm following the program and forging ahead. I could always lose weight on diets. Lost 30 pounds on Weigh Watchers 3 different times. But I always gain it back. Plus a little more. 209 then 217 were my highest weights ever. Decided it was only going to get worse with my pre-mature menopause slowing my metabolism down. Was getting so I couldn't be active with my family. So I took the leap. Feel free to ask questions. Good luck with your decision!

Edited June 29, 20206 yr by MaybeMeow

I appreciate hearing from you so much. I understand the weight loss and weight gain battle. I'm excited to begin this journey. Best of luck for healing and health.

I started right at a BMI of 35. I lost 10 lbs. I think in the first 2 weeks. Then it was a steady 2-3 lbs. a week until I purposely tried to eat more calories around month 6 because I was already close to a normal BMI and felt that it was still coming off too quick. I dropped a little more and now maintain around 127-129 (higher due to Covid stress eating) eating 1500-1600 calories. I was at a consistent 125-126 from month 6-month 13 (March). I read a lot of others who said they lost slowly due to starting at a lower BMI. But everyone is different and mine was pretty quick.

I'm 207 and 5'4" so a lot of times I think maybe if I just tried harder I could lose the weight. But we all know it isn't going to stay off, even if I did. So I'm about to get sleeved July 13. I'm super nervous but I know it's the right choice.

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Those with a BMI under 35 but with one or more comorbidities such as hypertension/CVD/dyslipidemia/diabetes or other metabolic syndrome related issues are very often considered good candidates for WLS.

I, like many here, started at under 35 BMI but with hypertension and pre-diabetic hyperinsulinemia. Weight does tend to come off more slowly with those of us that started with BMI less than 35

So glad I found this post. I have lots of medical issues and have a BMI of 35. I am currently going through the 6 month required program before I can get to the surgeon. My primary care agrees this is the best steps to be taking and was very encouraging. I have learned that many people will have opinions and it's best to stay positive because we know what's best for our bodies! I wish i would have started the journey sooner. Good luck to you

Edited June 29, 20206 yr by sunny20

I started with a BMI of 35 also--204 lbs 5'3". Since I had the comorbidities of high BP and diabetes I was approved by Medicare. My 12 year old lap band had slipped and had to come out, and I knew if I didn't revise it my weight would go back up.

If your weight is affecting your joints, take care of it NOW if you can...it'll only get worse as you get older, and you'll find it harder to lose weight as your metabolism slows. Good luck!

A BMI of 35 tends to be the minimum requirement for many surgeons in Australia at least and a lower BMI with high BP, diabetes, etc. (think my surgeon’s min was 32 with these health complications).

I had a starting BMI of 35 as did my friend. I didn’t have any health concerns but my friend had a few minor issues that will be alleviated with weight loss.

The decision to have the surgery is yours. It’s not an easy choice and certainly not an easy way to lose weight. It takes a lot of commitment, effort, reflection & lifestyle changes but the benefits are huge.

Out if interest, are your friends slim or do they carry weight? Just wondering what might be motivating their comments.

On 6/29/2020 at 9:55 AM, 1GardenGirl said:

I'm looking to talk with anyone who began this journey of weight loss with a BMI of 35 or below. I have had people tell me that I'm too skinny for this surgery. My doctor has recommended the VGS for me because along with my BMI I have also suffered from pain in my lower joints for over 5 years. 8 years ago I had a BMI of 40.8 but through diet and exercise I was able to drop 35-40 pounds. The last 3 years I haven't been able to drop any more weight.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I hope your surgery went well. My BMI is 31 and I'm scheduled for Nov 30th.

On 6/29/2020 at 2:21 PM, MaybeMeow said:

Hi I was 5'5" and 209 just like you during my first pre-op visit. 35 BMI. 47 years old but post menopausal due to early meno. Self pay. Came in wanting sleeve but doc convinced me RNY was the way to go due to my long history of moderate GERD. Covid postponed my original surgery date and I ate like crazy during those 2.5 months. So I had surgery 20 days ago at weight 217. My goal is 154 which is considered the healthy weight for my height. I weighed myself this morning and I've lost 15 pounds In 3 weeks. Not gonna lie. It's been rough. Yesterday had an odd episode of vomiting/retching for 2 hours due to unexplained pain in my stomach after eating 1oz fish. Miserable. Almost ended up in the ER. Then it just passed. Today I'm focusing recovery (sore everywhere) and on pooping (constipated). I don't feel great. Not even good yet. But I'm following the program and forging ahead. I could always lose weight on diets. Lost 30 pounds on Weigh Watchers 3 different times. But I always gain it back. Plus a little more. 209 then 217 were my highest weights ever. Decided it was only going to get worse with my pre-mature menopause slowing my metabolism down. Was getting so I couldn't be active with my family. So I took the leap. Feel free to ask questions. Good luck with your decision!

I have a low BMI (31) and I'm scheduled for Nov 30th. Thanks for your insight. It's really hard to explain to people that I've lost weight on diets (and most recently with a diet Dr.) but gaining it back has always been a problem because of cravings and such. I opted for the sleeve for mostly the long-term benefit of reducing hunger more than just weight loss. Congrats on your surgery btw.

I had a BMI of 32 with no comorbidities. I had to self pay. First spot was in September and I had surgery in November. This was 2017.

I advise addressing any food addiction or other mental health concerns adequately prior to surgery. Or you may end up like me 3 years later and qualifying for surgery yet again and pursuing revision. Dealt with my trauma with food and I had to do therapy before I felt ready to seek revision now.