Question:
Is there anyone out there with a lower BMI like38. My starting weight was 197 at 5'

0" tall. My goal is to be between 90-100lbs which is ideal for my height. I'm scared that maybe since I am not morbidly obese, I will not lose as much as someone weighing more. Should I be concerned that I won't make my goal?    — jlw0423 (posted on January 18, 2007)

January 18, 2007
I am 4 ft 10 in and had a BMI of 37.7 and weighed 223. I had surgery on 3*9*06 and am now 115. I feel great and don't care if I lose any more weight. I had a personal goal of 110. If I get there, great, but I am a size 4 and feel wonderful~! Have you had surgery yet? Good luck. and good losing!
   — KellyM

January 18, 2007
I am a 38 BMI, many insurances allow this surgery between a 35 and 40 BMI if you have some other "co-morbidity", like sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes. I have sleep apnea.
   — Brad B.

January 18, 2007
I am also 5' tall and had a similar BMI. I am now at 94lbs and staying there. As long as you work with this as a tool you'll make goal. Good luck!!! Farrah
   — Faradygm

January 18, 2007
Jodi, my BMI was 40, but just barely when I had surgery. I lost 120 pounds by working hard, water, protein and much exercise. You can have great success if you work at it and change your lifestyle. I had hoped to be a size 12 when I got done, and God blessed with with a size 4/6 body. I am about 130 pounds and feel wonderful! Surgery is not for everyone, research is very important and you have to be ready to fight the head issues that come with this surgery. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. Do research, go to classes at your hospital, pick a surgeon carefully, read books, research this site, I even looked over the memorials on this site to respect those who didn't make it and find out why. It is serious stuff, and if you are playing games by thinking surgery will fix your body, you are starting out wrong. Surgery simply gives you a tool to use. If you don't use your tool wisely, you may lose for a while, but will gain it all back. You have to be willing to work at losing, and fight the battle daily, the difference is that you can really have a great measure of success if you really do all those things faithfully (water, protein and much exercise, start slow, but exercise). You will face a lot of fears along the way, but if you do, you will be glad you did. Make your decision wisely, mine was bathed in prayer for a long time, that is where I got peace about it, and my family's support was terriffic. I wouldn't have done it without them. Best to you, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

January 18, 2007
If you are questioning why not join us on the Lightweights board? As a rule, lightweights don't lost as quickly as morbidly obese who have a BMI of over 40, however, you will lose at a nice clip if you follow all instructions to the letter. What works for one does not work for all. Your doctor can best advise you. I assume you will get down to about 120 or less. Your body will let you know when you are done losing. I was 217 at 5'2.5" on surgery day. I am 10 weeks post op and weight 185. I have lost every week and I feel wonderful. My doctor put my goal at 140. I will be thrilled at that but I could lose more. I will wait and see what my body does. I eat 3 small meals a day and try to get in two milk based protein drinks. I am not hungry or have cravings. I pray the hunger and cravings will not come back till I lose the weight. Exercise is important...I go to Curves about 4x a week but I plan to increase my exercise program in the coming weeks. Good luck!
   — Sheri A.

January 19, 2007
I was 333, now 170. I want to be around 110, but have stopped losing and it is a battle just to keep from ggaining. You may not make your goal, or you may. everyone is different!
   — Novashannon

January 19, 2007
I am 4'10 and have a BMI of 36. I have chosen to go with the Lapband surgery because I don't have more than 100 pounds to lose. I haven't had my surgery yet but have a schedule date with my doctor. I know that it's down the line but I am so ready. I am also 36 just like you and have an 11 year old son. I want to be around for him and to also have the energy for him that I don't have right now. Don't be worried about your goal, just know that you will lose some of the weight and anything is better than nothing at all. Good luck with your surgery and keep me informed on how everything goes..
   — Karen M.