Question:
lightweights

Are there any lightweights out there who do not have alot of weight to lose? I have about 50lbs. to lose. One of the reasons for this surgery for me is to get off alot of medication. People look at me and say your not big enough to get this surgery but what they don't know is I have sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, borderline diabetic, artheritis, COPD, high blood pressure and high chlorestorol. I just wish some people would understand.    — cuppaloopy (posted on October 3, 2009)

October 3, 2009
I have the same problem. I am tall so I carry my weight in a different way to some. but I like you have several health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. don't worry about what others say, 50 pounds is a lot of weight to carry around.
   — Pilar12

October 3, 2009
I'm not a lightweight but I still understand because there was a time when I "only" had 50 lbs to lose. Beyond that first 10 lbs, all excess weight is hard to lose. Your tool, should you choose to use it wisely, will give you the boost you need to help prevent a worsening health sitution for yourself and very likely will resolve several of your existing conditions. Your heart, lungs, joints and pancreas will thank you. Only 50 lbs to better health? That's "HUGE".
   — Arkin10

October 3, 2009
I started off with about 85 pounds to lose. I was told the same as you seem to have been. Things like: You can lose it on your own, why pay all that money! You aren't big enough to have weight loss surgery! The bottom line is you need to do what is right for you. You know your body and medical situation better than anyone else. If it feels right for you then go for it!!! While my weight loss has been a bit slower than most, I am very happy with my sleeve. Had I not had the surgery, I know that I would be much bigger than I started out because I am an emotional eater. My sleeve has taught me that I can do other things besides eat when I feel out of control. You hang in there and don't let anyone else decide what is best for you. Only you know what that is!!! Have a Blessed Day, Dawn
   — dawney1011

October 4, 2009
I understand, you sound just like me! Would love to talk back and forth, I guess I am also considered a "lightweight" although this is the first time that anyone has ever in my life called me that is on this site, lol! I hear the same thing from people "you don't need to have that surgery!". But many people that say that have no education on the surgery and still see it as a huge open procedure that is only meant for people that are bed-bound! I try to educate everyone that wants to know about it, because once I do, it seems like most of them are very supportive once they know what it can change for me and the medications I have to take everyday, and can really help me as a tool for my health. However, if they aren't open to learning about it and just want to judge, then let them. They aren't the ones who have to feel unhealthy and sick from the medications and comorbities that we live with every day.
   — eyeflirt4fun

October 4, 2009
Hi fellow light weight. I had the sleeve in 10-08 and have lost 60 pounds. Am off my BP meds, my diabetes is totally normal #'s now and I have lost 60 pounds. Better health is just around the corner. Keep that prize/goal in focus.
   — chell1957

October 4, 2009
Thanks everyone. Stacey I would love to keep in touch with you to. You can email me at [email protected]
   — cuppaloopy

October 4, 2009
There is a lot of research that indicates that WLS can actually reverse diabetes, allowing people to come off (or reduce) their insulin. There is strong research that shows the benefit of weight loss for the other medical problems you listed, as well. I mention the diabetes, because that is what convinced me to have the surgery. I lost 2 relatives the year prior to my surgery due to diabetes. They ended up hospitalized, lost their toes, then their foot, then part of their leg... until they finally died. Most people who have not struggled with weight related health problems just don't understand. This surgery is more for a return to a healthy life than anything else. The improved look that weight loss brings, is a great bonus, but is not what we should really be working for. Anyone who has not lost, regained, lost regained.....weight in the past, does't realize how hard it is to keep the weight off (even when you can reach your goal). There is a lot of research that has been done to explain why this happens. Our bodies are "programed" to get us back to our pre-diet weight. The dieting usually lowers our metabolism, which leads to regaining more than we lost initially. Weight loss surgery is a good tool that helps us not only loose the weight, but to maintain it as well. That is the truly important part. We deserve to live in good health, and we owe it to the ones we love. Life is too short to go through it unhealthy, miserable, with low self esteem, and limited in what we can do because of our weight or bad health. If you explain the health benefits of maintained weight loss as the reason you are having this surgery, it might help. Even if those close to you don't understand, realize that you are doing what is best for you. I wish you the best as you journey toward better health. God Bless.
   — KimM

October 5, 2009
I was a total lightweight. I weighted (at my heaviest) 286 lbs. I am 5' 8" so I am pretty tall and managed to carry my weight very proportionately my whole life. I could of lost 50-80 lbs and would of been happy. All in all I love I lost around 140lbs. I worked it. I still work it everyday. I had NOTHING wrong with me on paper. Health as a horse on paper and big as one in person. Everyone in my family has/has had/or is battling with all sorts of nasty medical conditions. I did not want to walk down any of those paths. I took my life and my health into my own hands. The bottom line is I didn't give a crap about anyone thinking I was not heavy enough to have the surgery. I knew what I needed to do for me - that is was all I needed. Remember, opinions are like buttholes... everyone has one. Good luck with your surgery.
   — jammerz