Question:
I've tried every diet imaginable...like everyone...gained back + more...am I crazy to

want WLS when my BMI is 38? Or do I need to continue the diet rollercoaster for a while longer? I haven't fought the insurance battle yet but have several comorbids & have appts w/ PCP & surgeon coming up. Feedback?    — Patricia A. (posted on April 11, 2003)

April 11, 2003
No, you are not crazy. My BMI is about the same and I'm considering the lap-band procedure. My initial consulatation is scheduled for Monday morning (today is Friday, April 11th 2003). I thought I would take this one step at a time.
   — Susan S.

April 12, 2003
You're not crazy for considering this at all. You are considered "obese" and that is why we all qualify for this surgery. If you had a BMI of 28 and were just a few lbs. heavy, then that is crazy. We have all tried those diets and been on a weight rollercoaster. But we have deeper issues with food, whether psychological or hereditary, etc. A 38 with co-morbs should be fine with insurance. Most require that you have a BMI of 35 with co-morbs or 40 w/out. Just make sure you truly research WLS, as there are a billion good reasons, there are many risks and negatives. So know them all and make a good decision, b/c only you can decide what is right. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 12, 2003
My husband just had lap RNY with a BMI of 38.5. His dad weighed over 400 lbs at one time and had the old small bowel bypass about 30 years ago, andhe is still going strong at 72. My husband also has a morbidly obese sister, and his brother is overweight. My DH has a strong family history of diabetes. He saw himself heading down a road to poor health and a shortened lifespan. If you feel like you are ready to make a permanent, life-altering change, then go for it! Why be miserable and frustrated by diets that don't work? Don't assume you will have to fight with the insurance company. My husband was initially denied, but we appealed and he was approved - and the insurance criteria was changed so that folks with a BMI between 35-40 can qualify for surgery! (If you do need help, I would be happy to help you with an appeal.)
   — koogy

April 12, 2003
No, you're not crazy. Assuming you're ready for this choice, and it's the right one for you, you're smart to tackle this problem while you're lighter, younger, and healthier than you will be if you postpone it for yet another ride or two on the "Diet Rollercoaster." You just never know what fate has lurking around the corner; waiting isn't always the right choice, and on the positive side, the sooner you do it, the sooner you can begin reclaiming your health and energy. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

April 12, 2003
One reason not to continue the dieting rollercoaster is that the regain is more damaging to your health than a stable higher weight, dieting can slow your metabolism so that you gain weight eating less, etc. I feel that dieting left me with a nasty compulsive eating problem that took years of normal eating to shake. I'm now having the surgery (at age 56) that will free me from all this extra weight. I would have loved to have done it sooner.
   — sjwilde