26 with a BMI of 40. Am I crazy for considering WLS?

I know that the cut off for WLS covered by OHIP in terms of BMI is 40 (35 with comorbities, which I have - sleep apnea and pre-diabetes), but my family doctor is hesitant to refer me for WLS as she thinks my BMI is "too low" and that I'm still quite young. She says my weight loss can be achieved by "normal" diet and exercise.

But here's the thing. Yes, I'm 26, but I've been struggling with my weight since childhood. I've been on two medically supervised weight loss programs covered by OHIP and I'd lose 40 to 50 pounds, and it's great, but then it never seems to stick and I keep gaining the weight back.

I guess I just want to consider all of the options available to me. I had a huge health scare earlier this year. I spent the first six months of 2014 in the hospital because of multiple organ failure due to complications from Influenza A, and after facing my own mortality and getting a huge reality check like that, I just want to be able to live my life, what I have been granted again, to the fullest. I can't do that while being morbidly obese.

I've been researching VSG since it seems to be the better fit for me. I've had two abdo surgeries this year, one laparoscopy and one open, and with my health complications, I'm hesitant to go both restrictive and malabsortive with RNY.

I know this isn't an easy fix. There are risk factors and potential consequences. I've experienced what it's like to have a difficult abdomen surgery, so I'm quite familiar with the pain that may stem from complications.

Am I being crazy? Is this something that I should even consider?

You are not crazy.  Do all your research, and show your doctor how much you know and understand.  You know that this is just a tool, not a magic wand.  There are many steps before surgery and you have tried other diets with no long term success.  Also, the Bariatric team will be the ultimate ones to decide wether or not surgery is right for you.

My GP was hesitant to refer me for surgery as well, so I asked to be referred to the clinic (they do programs and surgery).  I was referred to Dr. Dent at the Ottawa WLC, and he assessed me and gave me my 3 options, WW, Program or Surgery.  WW etc didn't work, I couldn't afford the program and I was ready for surgery.  So he referred me to a surgeon.  Some go to walk in clinics to get the referral, or to other specialists that they see.

I will warn you now though, RNY is currently the primary surgery OHIP will cover.  To get a VSG, you must have medical reasons for it.  The surgeon will decide the best way to go.  If you have medical reasons for the VSG, let him know and he can put in the request for it.  Your orientation will go over all this, if not, ask about it.

Cathy

Thats Tough.  I sort of had the same issue.  My BMI was much higher, but my ENDO would not do the Paperwork.  So i went to my GP.  My suggestions would be that, if your GP will not send in forms find another Dr.  If you have done the research and feel that this is best for you, then Tell your Dr. that this is the decision that you have made and need there support, or you will be looking for a new GP.

As for the Type.  My Dr. did the VSG because i have had invasive surgery in the past as well, so the RNY was not really an option for me.

Good Luck

I would consider it. Never think that you are crazy! I had a family doctor who for years kept telling me that my weight was a problem and that I needed to lose weight. Try Weigh****chers was his response.  When I reached 30 I got upset with him because he was not helping me with any of my medical problems as he believed my mental issues were due to my weight. He never sent in my referral to the Clinic. So, I changed doctors! I found a new family doctor who was willing to listen to my needs. She sent my referral and now 12/05 is my 1 year anniversary after surgery. I am so happy I did this it's unbelievable. My life has completely changed! If your doctor won't help you and you want weight loss surgery don't second guess yourself. Find a doctor who will help you! The wait time is quite long before your surgery date. That's when I did all of my research as up until you are on that table you have the right to say NO to surgery. Don't waste your time or your life like I did listening to a doctor who at the end didn't care. Do what you want and what is best for you!

I was 26 when I had WLS, so I would urge you to consider it. I love that I will be 30 next year and will be in great shape. 

Surgery is a serious move, its not right for everybody.  You need to do your research and come to a decision. I would neither encourage you or discourage you, it really has a lot to do with you and how ready you are.

As far as your DR goes, this is a bit of a pet peeve for me.  I work in the Health research area, specifically in obesity research (ironic I know) but as a Dr he/she should be practicing evidence based treaments and management of health. Any Dr. who tells you to simply lose the weight on your own through the good old "eat less move more" is not practicing evidence based medicine and is injecting their own personal opinion. 

While some people anecdotally are able to lose significant weight and keep it off "on their own", the evidence strongly opposes this as a realistic way to manage weight-based health concerns and the secondary conditions associated with it. Of course if you feel you can do it on your own then all the power too you but if you feel surgery is right for you, then I would speak honestly with the Dr about why they are recommending you not too and the scientific evidence that they are using to back that decision.

PS: we are all a little crazy, but considering the surgery doesn't make you more crazy

Surgery is a serious move, its not right for everybody.  You need to do your research and come to a decision. I would neither encourage you or discourage you, it really has a lot to do with you and how ready you are.

As far as your DR goes, this is a bit of a pet peeve for me.  I work in the Health research area, specifically in obesity research (ironic I know) but as a Dr he/she should be practicing evidence based treaments and management of health. Any Dr. who tells you to simply lose the weight on your own through the good old "eat less move more" is not practicing evidence based medicine and is injecting their own personal opinion. 

While some people anecdotally are able to lose significant weight and keep it off "on their own", the evidence strongly opposes this as a realistic way to manage weight-based health concerns and the secondary conditions associated with it. Of course if you feel you can do it on your own then all the power too you but if you feel surgery is right for you, then I would speak honestly with the Dr about why they are recommending you not too and the scientific evidence that they are using to back that decision.

PS: we are all a little crazy, but considering the surgery doesn't make you more crazy

I had the exact same questions as you, mind you I am not 26, but I was 32 when I first started thinking of WLS. And ultimately 34 when I had it. I also started with a BMI just slightly above 40 when I approached my doctor. 

I am sure you already have, but research like crazy, this is not a small decision. It is a complete change in how I now live day to day. You are right, it is not the easy way out at all, I despise when people say that. Its a struggle. Mind you, I am only one month post op today, so I am still learning to deal with everything. This is a new life completely..

I know for myself, even though I was technically considered a 'lightweight' that I required the tool of surgery. I spent 20 years of my life yo yoing' up and down, and never really getting out of the obese BMI category, or just slightly below it, then yep, back up again. I was tired all the time, and my quality of life was so poor. I also felt like a ticking time bomb for future health issues, as my mother and sister both were morbidly obese, had diabetes, sleep apnea, and my mother had had three massive heart attacks by the age of 45. 

I guess you will know when it is the right choice, and good on you for not just jumping into something so drastic and really thinking it through. Once I made the decision to move forward, I was in 200% and knew it was the right choice for me. I have ZERO regrets at this moment, and am excited for what my future will bring. I know I made the best choice for me. I think you will know when you're ready. I wish you success in whatever path you choose!

If you ever want to chat, send me a PM! Good luck on your journey 

I don't think you are too young at all!  I just wish I had surgery sooner than I did at 43.  Life passes you by quickly so like Cat said do your research and at least start the process.  You have lots of time to figure things out as you go through the steps!  All the best!

I also struggled with my weight since childhood. I always thought I could stick to a diet or start exercising starting tomorrow.  All of a a sudden , I was almost 40, Had a BMI of 49 and was on drugs for High Blood Pressure. I finally came to my senses and realized there was no way I could lose 120 pounds on my own, without serious intervention and I found out about my WLS choices. I sincerely wish I had done this much earlier in my life. There were so many things I didn't do because physically, mentally and emotionally my weight held me back.  I know that at 40, I am not 'old' but I feel like I didn't really live life to the fullest in my 20's and 30's.  Do your research, make a sober choice about what is right for you but being 26 is not a reason to not do it. In fact, it's a great reason to do it!!  You are not crazy in the least. 

Sonja