Do I belong here?

what's considered a light weight on here? Everyone I know tells me I don't need the surgery because I'm not "fat".  I'm tired of hearing it. 

Hey Randallstown,

Anyone can join here I'm sure each and everyone will tell you the same. My BMI was 36.6 when I began my journey, with less than 100 pounds to lose. But when my surgeon gave me the paper work to sign and it said morbidly obese I really swallowed hard and knew I was doing the right thing. I didn't tell anyone I was having the surgery except one friend and one coworker. Put on your ear muffs and ignore those noises people are making. Where are you going for surgery?

Mari

Thanks. I was just wondering.  My BMI is around 40 or so and am considered Morbidly obese.  I am going to GBMC, hopefully by June.  I stopped telling my friends and family because noone wants to support me with this.  Even my teenage son, constantly tells me not to do it.  However, I only have a few more weeks until I meet with the Dr one last time to get my date.  And it's on!!

Welcome to the LW board...yes, you belong here and if a bariatric surgeon or your PCP said WLS was appropriate, then yes, you do need it.

I was a 203/35.2 when I started my journey. I now weigh 122/20.9 (as of last Friday).

Put on the earmuffs to most people...as to your son, take him with you to an appt if you can. Also, tell him that only 5% of people who are morbidly obese successfully diet their way back to normal. That's a 95% fail rate for diets...which is why it is SUCH a big industry.

Liz

Mine was 41 when I joined.

Welcome to our LW Board!!!  We can't wait to share in your journey with you!

My DH (darling husband) and 1 of my DD's (darling daughters) were totally against me having surgery.  After time I realized that they were just scared.  We didn't talk about it much and I never expressed any kind of worry or fear to them.  Now they have accepted it and know that it was the right decision for me. 

Keep us updated!

Welcome to the LW Board.

It is really your decision.  My DH was not in favor of it either, but I took him to a seminar and to meet with the surgeon and after he got a full explanation and was able to ask any questions he had, he got on board.

Good luck.  You know what is best for you - just ignore them.

Keep us updated on your progress.

Linda

I was 37.5 when I started my journey.  My husband and PCP were very supportive, and my PCP recommended that I look into it. Both the PCP and DH are pleased that I did it, even though my insurance did not cover it, and it was a big expense for someone who just retired.

Yes, you belong here, and welcome aboard, welcome home.

Many of us had people tell us not to do it. Told us we weren't fat enough (but no doubt said something different behind our backs.) Or that all-too-often uttered phrase "can't you just diet like everybody else?" 

It's really common for those closest to you to be afraid for your life. They worry you won't survive surgery and that if you do, you'll be cutting your life short because of the surgery. The truth of the matter is you're cutting your life short by living it obese. You can get lots of support and empathy here in dealing with these and other issues surrounding a decision to have surgery.

Good luck on your journey. Keep us posted.

Welcome and yes, you belong here.  Most of us were around 40 BMI and with around 100lbs to lose. and most of us heard what you are hearing.  Now we are hearing we are too small.  I guess there is never a weight that makes everyone happy, but being 100lbs lighter sure makes me happy.