Question:
I am 22 yr old my BMI is 37.1 and I weigh 196, is this surgery for me?

I have been battling with my weight since I was a child. In the third grade I weighed 100 pounds. By the time I reached High school I weighed 179. In the middle of my senior year I decided to get very strict about my weight. I stay active got two jobs plus attend college that August and I went from 179 to 163. I was proud of myself but as the months passed I didn't see my weight getting any less. Then I got pregnant. After having my daughter I went into deep depression. I talked to my midwife to try different diets. They always seemed to fail me. Then in March of 2001 I found out that I was pregnant with twins. I had them in August and lost all of my baby fat and some. Now they are 6 months old and I have gained 26 more pounds right back. I am almost at the weight I was before I had them. I so much family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, poor blood circulation, heart problems, and obesity. Will I qualify?    — LeAnna G. (posted on February 27, 2002)

February 27, 2002
Based on my experience, you have to have a BMI of between 35 and 40. If it's less than 40, you may have to have some comorbites such as GERD, diabetes, etc.. Your best bet is to call a surgeon or see your PCP and ask. My whole journey started by calling my surgeons office and saying "I was wondering if I qualify for surgery." Also (and I'm not saying this is right) but since I was just a bit below 40 (about 39) I kinda tricked my BMI higher by slouching (lowering my height an inch or two) and having keys and lots of change in my pocket and eating a large meal right before my appointment. I'm not recommending anyone do this, but it's what I did. Talk to your doctor and see what he has to say. You may qualify because of your family history! Best of luck!
   — [Anonymous]

February 27, 2002
P.S. Why does the top of your profile say your BMi is 35 and you're saying it's 37? Did you enter your info correctly? Again, good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

February 27, 2002
Dear Leanna, The question of whether this surgery is for you, can only be answered by your Dr and you. Generally speaking the surgery is for folks who need to loose 100lbs or more or have a BMI of 40 or above For me and others who have struggled with obesity for a life time wls is like a miracle. It isn't though. Being succesful after WLS requires diet and exercise just like any weight loss program. The surgery just forces you to eat less, at least initially. I would talk to your DR to see if there is anything else going on physically that is contributing to your weight gain(s) . If not consider talking to a therapist to see if there is anything causing you to sabatoge yourself unconsciously when you do loose weight. We all get into some self destructive behaviors, with or without wls. If all else fails consider talking to your dr about wls its benefits and risks, Also see if your health ins will pay for the procedure. Good luck. Kathy
   — [Anonymous]

February 27, 2002
You cite several co morbidities in your family history, but do you experience any of them? And is that a typo that your weight is 196? If you are at 296 you may qualify, but if 196 is your true weight then I'm willing to be you will not. WLS is meant for those who are a minimum of 100 pounds over their 'target weight'. I'm sorry if this message comes across as harsh, but you didn't mention your height...and for most of us, who started out in the 250, 300 and 400 pound range 196 sounds a bit low to be considered for WLS. Especially if you don't have any health problems that are threatening your life.
   — [Anonymous]

February 27, 2002
Honey, your not that much over-weight. I know you probably feel huge, but I know people who would love to weight what you do, I have a daughter your age with 2 children and I know it's hard raising them and trying to care for yourself, but it will get better, you need to research this surgery, this surgery is not a joke or a fast cure for being overweight, it hurts like hell and it's dangerous. i wish you the best of luck in your decision. Pat
   — patricia P.

February 27, 2002
How tall are you? I have a friend who was 202 and qualified but she is 4'10"
   — ZZ S.

February 28, 2002
I did two different BMI charts and one tells me that I am 35.1 and the other one tells me 37.1. If you think that I shouldn't have this surgery, then what can I do if everything else has failed me. You may not think that I feel like you do but I do. I now the feeling of buying bigger close and not being able to do things. I have feelings too! I am not doing for anyone but for myself!
   — LeAnna G.

March 1, 2002
I am sorry if this offends anyone....but I am sooooo tired of people saying this surgery is ONLY for you if you are 100 pounds or more overweight. Maybe they should do more research because that is so far from the truth!!! Just because us "lightweights" are not as big as some, it does not mean that we are not just as unhappy with our weight and our health!!! I was considered only 75 pounds overweight with sleep apnea being my only comorbid. My starting BMI was 35. I am now 4 months post-op and down 63 pounds. My insurance approved me in less than 24 hours. I guess my frustration is....it is almost like we are discriminated against by both ends. The "normal" people think we are too fat, and the "fat" people think we are too thin. UGH!!!!!!! Nobody understands what it is like to be someone else unless they walk a mile in their shoes. Please refrain from bashing someone just because they dont fit the "model criteria". Most people that have WLS claim they wish they had done it sooner. But then they bash people who want to have it done before it gets to that point. What a shame. OK, I guess I am done venting. Bash me if you want.
   — skymaxjr