Starting stats and pre-surgery process

Wow!! Congratulations!!!

I am 5'5", weighed 347 and had a BMI of 57.

I was told that they wanted me to lose 10% of my excess body weight before surgery, or 21 pounds. I was told they would not do surgery if I gained weight during the process. During the counseling, dietary counseling, etc -- I lost small amounts or maintained. I did lower my a1C from an alarming 9.5 to a surgery-acceptable 6.0, however.

I had to do the supervised diet for 9 months. I lost 23 lbs during the liquid pre-op diet -- I went into surgery at 319ish.

I now weigh between 127 and 137 pounds with a BMI of 20.8 to 21.9. I am almost 4 years out, and maintaining is harder than losing every was.

I'm also 28 years old, highest weight was 265 and I'm 5'8". Everyone also told me I didn't need the surgery because I wasnt big enough, but I was diabetic, high blood pressure, high pulse, seep apnea, non alcoholic liver syndrome, high cholesterol, and so many more problems! A week after my surgery (surgery was 9/11/17) I was off all medications except the vitamins! I did not have to do a supervised diet nor did I have a special pre op diet.

Hi, I am very new to this process myself. I'm 5'1 and my highest and current weight is 215 with a BMI of 40. I also have been a diabetic for a few years, high cholesterol and diagnosed with mod sleep apnea. My suggestion is to tell those close to you that are also supportive. For instance I told my twin bro but not my older sister. I told a few other of my plans for surgery because they are very supportive ppl. Everyone including some family/friends will not be happy for your journey. I had my initial appt mid September and a follow up in Oct. Just waiting on my date for preop and surgery. Some ppl will find out the day off and some after. Some it is just not their business.

You have to remember to do what is best for you. Get healthy and being internally happy. Also I was not required to have a supervised diet. My surgeon suggested I start replacing 1-2 meals a day with protein shakes to lose 5 lbs. Wish you the best!

You sound just like me. I am only telling a few - those who I know will support me. And, like you said, it is no one else's business! I'm glad to see another "short" person here! ?

I was low weight and was told I was diabetic and they wanted to put me on Metforim. My A1C was only 5.8 and I did not take any meds for BP or sugar, so I was scared that somehow my insurance might not like my doctors recommendation. I asked for WLS rather than take diabetic meds and was approved. I did not want to lose too much weight "just in case" they changed the rules. I worked on behaviors and eliminating certain foods. I didn't restrict the size of my giant meals, but worked on night time snacking. I eliminated diet soda and tried to limit candy. So, I was working towards a goal, but not losing a lot of weight.

I now weigh between 132 and 134. I am amazed that I can maintain the weight loss. I weigh every day and restrict calories and carbs when I go over 135. I still eat protein first, and since I have reactive hypoglecomia, I do not eat many simple carbs.

Hello! I am 5'6 and highest weight was 291 when I started the process for WLS. I was also pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure and was diagnosed with sleep apnea during the pre-op testing. My insurance required a 6 month weight loss management program. I was about 240 at time of surgery, and got to my goal of 150 in about 5 months, and got to a low of about 128 which was a little to low for me. I now maintain at about 142-145 depending on the day. Best of luck to you.

When I first started the process I was 58, 240 pounds, 5'5" with several co-morbidities. I had been heave most of my life, up to a high of 247, a low of 180. I'm so thankful for this surgery and everything that came after it. My biggest, and only regret, is that I didn't do this sooner.

If this surgery had been available when I was 28 I would have jumped on the chance then. Do it now, while. you're still young enough to completely enjoy all of the wonderful side effects that come with it.

Go for it!

I was 283.5 in 2004 when I went to the bariactric Doctor the first time, it took some time but by April 2005 I had lost 12lbs that my doctor required. On my surgery date I weighed 272 4/5/05. At one year post-op I was 178, it took me another 1.5 years to get to 138 and then rest of my life to maintain that weight with +/- 10lbs. I still have the same clothes I bought in 2007 when I hit goal and they still fit. I did lose more in 2014 when I had a blocked bile duct and was hospitalized for two weeks until they finally did the surgery to fix the problem. Unfortunately with altered anatomy this was a big procedure with a bariactric surgery to go through my excluded stomach and a gastroenterologist to perform the procedure to clear the bile duct. With normal anatomy this is performed with a camera and equipment down your throat as out patient surgery, but altering you anatomy has certain risks, this being one of them. I consider myself successful and I wouldn't change anything even though eating is often difficult, especially overseas when the small variety of food I eat is unavailable. But being healthy, and no longer diabetic for going on 13 years and having a normal BMI, blood pressure and great labs are certainly worth the trade off. I do not recommend wls to anyone unless they have truly tried every other conceivable option to lose weight and regain health.

Good Luck.