Question:
I AM TALL, SO MY WEIGHT IS NOT AS NOTICEABLE TO OTHERS AND MY BMI IS 37-38

I HAVE A SEMINAR I AM GOING TO WED. 5-28 WITH THE DOCTORS. HAS ANYONE ELSE WANTED THIS SURGERY AND HAD SIMILAR CONCERNS. 5'7" 240 LBS BMI 37-38    — ROXANA T. (posted on May 21, 2003)

May 21, 2003
I am tall to 5'8 started @ 249 before my surgery. I am now 4 weeks out and have lost 23 lbs. People keep saying you did not look that heavy (249). Height just hides weight. That does not mean it is not there. Go for it. I feel so great and I am so glad I went had WLS. Good Luck
   — Tabitha M.

May 21, 2003
I am also tall, 5'10" and could hide the extra fat too, and very well. I decided to have the WLS when I reached 265 lbs. with a BMI of 39. Now 7 months later, I have lost 83 lbs with about 22 lbs. left to go, to be at my own personal goal of 160. I wore size 22 then, am now in a size 12/14! Life is so much different now, I am more confident, less shy, and am enjoying my life so much more! I would not change a thing, even my SELF PAY! Worth every red penny I spent, which came to about $26,000. (((HUGS)))
   — kd

May 21, 2003
Well I am just the opposite! I have a BMI of 36 but I am only 4'11' tall and I weigh 178lbs. No one understands why I am having this surgery. They all say "You aren't even fat". I just tell them that you havent seen me naked. LOL!! I am scheduled to have surgery June 2nd. Once I lose the weight, I think people will start to realize how fat I really was.
   — S A.

May 21, 2003
I too, am 5'7 and carry my weight fairly well (most people would have agreed that I was overweight...but not enough to have had major surgery for it). I wasn't quite as desperate at 240 as I was at 274, especially being that I am in overall good health. So, I don't think I would have even considered surgery as an option at that point, but would have gotton tons of flack about it I'm sure. I guess at this point, I would say it's gonna be a close call for you...and a lot will depend on how many other health issues you have. I have heard of some people, with lots of co-morbidities being able get insurance approval with having a BMI as low as 35. Also, remember, you're not doing this to change any one else's image of you...you're doing it for you, and your health. Good luck to you!
   — eaamc

May 21, 2003
If your BMI is over 35 and you have co-morbids or a family history of diabetes, heart problems or blood clots, you should do this for your health. If you end up looking thinner (you will), that would be nice, but the best reason is to help or head off health problems. Go for it!
   — Beth S.

May 22, 2003
I am 5'8 and and my weight at surgery was 247 (Surgery April 1, 2003). When people that I work with found out about my surgery they said she is not that fat why did she have that done. Well I just turned 40 and I have a beatiful 17 month old daughter that keeps me hoppin. I work full-time and by the time I get home I am exhausted. When I would get down on the floor to play and get back up (several times) I just felt like I was 90 years old instead of 40. I am almost 2 months post op and I am not losing weight as fast as heavier people (I'm now 220 pnds) but I feel much better and I was in a 20-22 cloths size and I am now in a 16 and feeling great. I hope this helps.
   — Deborah M.