First, let me say I have a BMI between 36-37.

During the approval process, I had to see various people in the medical field. I had to go see a trainer for an exercise program. She was surprised I was doing this b/c she didn't think I needed surgery. Just yesterday, I got the call from the anesthesiologist's person at the hospital. I had to tell her various information about previous surgeries, health background, height, weight, etc. She was very friendly. But, when I had to tell her my height and weight she said "And why are you doing this?":blink:

I know I am sure of myself and my decision, but this is less than comforting when surgery is scheduled for less than a week away!

Did anyone else have this happen to them?

I have a BMI of 32 and my GP refused to refer me to a surgeon so I just went to see one anyway.

It's hard to say what the right answer is. I started at a BMI of 49 so my choice was clear. You have to know that if you remain restricted, you will never get to enjoy food in the normal way again. I can only eat such tiny amounts. Bread and fries (my favorite foods in the past) are off limits completely. I cannot eat them AT ALL because they get stuck. You have to leave behind your love of food, because your ability to fully enjoy it will be over. The question is. . . are you willing to give it your enjoyment of food and eating forever to lose a relatively small amount of weight. That is what you need to consider.

First, let me say I have a BMI between 36-37.

During the approval process, I had to see various people in the medical field. I had to go see a trainer for an exercise program. She was surprised I was doing this b/c she didn't think I needed surgery. Just yesterday, I got the call from the anesthesiologist's person at the hospital. I had to tell her various information about previous surgeries, health background, height, weight, etc. She was very friendly. But, when I had to tell her my height and weight she said "And why are you doing this?":blink:

I know I am sure of myself and my decision, but this is less than comforting when surgery is scheduled for less than a week away!

Did anyone else have this happen to them?

I hear the same thing all the time but these people don't realize that yes maybe you can lose it on your own but you can not keep it off and being 50 pounds or so overweight is taking a toll on your body. One reason I decided to go ahead and do it was so maybe I want develop diabetes, heart condition , or some other life threatening disease.

Don't pay any attention to what others say do it for yourself people just don't understand that being our size is just as miserable to us as being 100+ overweight is to others and I feel like if I did not go ahead and have the surgery I would be having it later and having to loose alot more.

First, let me say I have a BMI between 36-37.

During the approval process, I had to see various people in the medical field. I had to go see a trainer for an exercise program. She was surprised I was doing this b/c she didn't think I needed surgery. Just yesterday, I got the call from the anesthesiologist's person at the hospital. I had to tell her various information about previous surgeries, health background, height, weight, etc. She was very friendly. But, when I had to tell her my height and weight she said "And why are you doing this?":blink:

I know I am sure of myself and my decision, but this is less than comforting when surgery is scheduled for less than a week away!

Did anyone else have this happen to them?

I've not had a huge problem with this. I've had a couple of providers that my surgeon referred me to for pre-op testing comment that I was smaller than most people referred to them for the purpose of WLS. One co-worker mentioned that she didn't think I was "big enough." It didn't feel like these statements were judgmental and I didn't take offense to them. But that may just be my personality type, I am not easily offended.

It is surreal to me, to think that I am not "fat enough" to pursue this surgery. I have been obese ALL of my life and have on occasion crossed that line on the BMI chart into the morbidly obese category. I currently have high cholesterol and a strong family history of diabetes and heart disease. In short, there is much more to being a good candidate for this surgery than the # on the scale or where you fall on some chart! And quite frankly, I don't think any of us should have to "justify" our choice to anyone other than our surgeon & our insurance company!

There's a reason ins companies will agree to pay for surgery w/ BMI of 35-40. They realize the benefit of dropping the excess weight. Most personal trainers are going to push for diet & exercise methods. It's worked for them and theoretically it's true. Many feel WLS should never be needed, but don't necessarily have experience with people who've tried numerous diets and always put the weight back on. Others aren't familiar with WLS or the statistics on what the most effective methods are. That's why it's good to study the options well so you know what's right for you. Good luck.

It's hard to say what the right answer is. I started at a BMI of 49 so my choice was clear. You have to know that if you remain restricted, you will never get to enjoy food in the normal way again. I can only eat such tiny amounts. Bread and fries (my favorite foods in the past) are off limits completely. I cannot eat them AT ALL because they get stuck. You have to leave behind your love of food, because your ability to fully enjoy it will be over. The question is. . . are you willing to give it your enjoyment of food and eating forever to lose a relatively small amount of weight. That is what you need to consider.

I hear what you are saying.

I guess, to me, 75+ pounds is not a small amount of weight . . .

I had lapband surgery with a BMI of 34....and yes...I got some comments about not needing it. I love exercise, and can just about get obsessed with it. Food is my problem....and after losing and gaining the same weight for 3 decades....I am banded. Glad I did it. I have always battled with my weight...even as a child. I need this tool...just so thankful to have it. Do what's right for you!

BTW...I didn't tell my friends and family (except husband and children), and I'm glad I didn't. I know of some that would not be supportive...just a thought. It's a very personal decision...

I echo the thoughts here too! I have a BMI of 35 and both my PCP and the surgeon were VERY supportive of my wanting to do WLS. Other "friends" that know have of course said, "oh you don't need it" blah blah blah. you know ---- I have been obese my whole life! even into that morbidly obese category. I can LOSE weight when I want to - it is KEEPING it off that I struggle with.

So excited that I made the decision AND my insurance approved it. I have a couple of co-morbidities (high cholesterol, high blood pressure). Isn't that the rub though --- when I looked into it a few years ago I was told I wasn't 'obese enough' for it! I changed doctors by the way. LOL

I was 195 at banding and I'm 5,6 So I got a lot of comments on how I just needed to work out more and eat less...I'm glad I was banded and now everyone tells me how great I look.