Should anyone who is heavy get WLS?

I have a weird question. I ran across someone's profile and her situation is this. She had a baby and gained weight. She is 27 and has a BMI of 47. She has been overweight less than five years. Her health problem is that she is now tired from being overweight. She doesn't have any other comorbidities. Should this person get RNY? What do you think? My personal opinion is no. I didn't decide to do this until I was desperate and tried every other option first. I also was gaining fairly steadily and my healthy was deteriorating. I think WLS is an extreme answer and should only be used for people who have been overweight a long time and have tried all other options to lose weight. Am I wrong in feeling this way? I'd enjoy feedback. Thanks!

I think that she should consult with a dietician first, and of course get bloodwork done - as it could be a medical issue - diabetes or thyroid issues.

I think that any type of WLS should be reserved as a last resort option.  Sure, they are tools, but why give them the tools if they don't have a toolbox?

Hey Nic!!

Is it possible she does have some undiagnosed comorbidities?  As far as her fatigue, well, that could be from sleep apnea, which is virtually undetectable without a sleep study. 

Is her profile very detailed?  Does she say she hasn't tried anything else to lose weight?  A BMI of 47 seems pretty high - I THINK most health insurance approval guidelines say a BMI of 35-40, from what I can remember.

That being said, my only regret is that I didn't have wls when I was 27, instead of waiting until I was a decade older!!

Does that make any sense?  Sometimes, there's more to meets the eye in someone's profile, maybe she just didn't disclose the whole story.

T

hey t was busy today so didn't have time to post much. i understand your point and am glad that at 30 i did what i had to do for my health but i have been overweight my whole life. i guess i don't think someone who has been overweight for less than 5 years should get the surgery unless they have health issues. this specific person doesnt' have much on her profile just what I told you. so there might be more there, at least i hope so. just seems odd. she even said she went to the doctor cuz she felt tired and her doctor told her to lose weight. she asked how and the doctor said wls. that just seems weird to me!

BMI of 47.. that's about where I am. I'm 5'9'' and 312ish. I carry my weight all over, so people never believe I'm that heavy.

I agree with you that WLS should be the last resort. I've been obese since I was about 5 years old.... I've tried everything and now I'm going to try WLS.

I personally think someone who just gained weight from a pregnancy, who hasn't been overweight for very long, should be able to lose weight better than someone who has been overweight for many many years. I mean we all fluctuate to an extent but I think our bodies get to a certain set point and don't want to budge.

I don't think we know enough about her situation though.

I know I started with a BMI of 71......so I really needed it and I was this way for well over 5 years.  I know some insurance companies won't pay for it if you have been big for less than 5 years.  I have to go with Tia.  I'd dig for more information.  See if/what she's tried int he past to lose weight.  If it's sheer laziness then that's not a good reason to have it done.