Question:
I would like to see some profiles for people with 37 BMI's or less.

I would like to see some profiles on those who started out with a 37 BMI or less.    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 3, 2002)

March 3, 2002
I am not sure you are going to find very many on this website. It is pretty standard that a BMI of 40+ is necessary for WLS unless there are significant co-morbids. I have seen such profiles on the Mini-bypass website but that procedure is considered experimental by many insurance companies.
   — Joelle B.

March 3, 2002
Mine is 37.5 and I am having surgery in 19 days by Dr. Gaskin in St. Louis. If you need to contact me my e-mail is on my profile. Lisa Bohnert
   — Lisa B.

March 3, 2002
My BMI is 36. I had a VRG in 1995 and have been miserable since 1996. I am planning a revision to have the "ring" taken out, and revise to the Duodenal Switch, in May. I am 5/7, 228 pounds. I had initially lost 60 pounds the first 3 months after surgery in 1995, but have gained 20 of those back, partly because the only food I can keep down is chips, popcorn, cookies, etc.(all the fatty, crunchy stuff that "dissolves" as you chew). All the good foods cause me to have to throw up, because I feel all "clogged up". If there is anything else you want to know, just ask.
   — Nanette H.

March 3, 2002
My BMI is 37 and don't think that there are only a few of us here. A lot of us with lower BMIs are treated like we aren't in the group and try to keep to ourselves. I have serious comorbidities and only have this low of a BMI because I am struggling and staying on a 1200 cal low-fat diet. I am the thinnest person in my family, one of two that are under 300. I'm having this surgery so that i don't end up disabled by 50 like my parents.
   — Laurie V.

March 3, 2002
I have to disagree. I have NEVER felt unwelcome here with a low BMI. I've received support, encouragement, etc., and been told by many how they wish they had known about WLS when they were younger and/or weighed less. I was fairly active on the site during the beginning of my journey (prior to surgery) and I never once had anyone discourage me or make me feel less worthy because my starting BMI was 38. I did get some raised eyebrows from medical professionals (i.e. "you can't possibly weigh that much"), but people on this site were great.
   — PT LawMom

March 4, 2002
My BMI was 38. I had surgery 9 months ago and now my BMI is 22. I was denied coverage by both my husbands insurance and my own and ended up self paying after fighting insurance for 5 months. I post anonymously because received a lot of negative comments about my choice to have this life altering surgery. Not from anyone on here but mostly from acquaintances and medical professionals. We are out here though!!! Best of luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

March 6, 2002
My BMI was somewhere around 37 when I had lap rny on Oct. 8th of 2001. It's almost been 5 months and I have gone from 221 to 153. It's going really slow now, but I don't mind, I'm feeling well, and I do look nice. Not bone thin, but nice! I'm very glad I had it done. Good luck
   — alicialeew