Question:
has anybody had wls at 188 lbs? BMI 33.3

I had the RNY surgery at 282lbs this past summer. Now my sister is wanting to get this done and she weighs 188lbs. Her co-morbidities are high blood pressure and back problems, along with varicose veins and heal spurs. Her medical Doctor seems to think she will qualify, but I am worried sick that this is not good for her. She is only 58 lbs over ideal weight. I don't think this is worth the risk of surgery, but I don't want to say that if there are others who have done well at this weight.    — Sunshine (posted on November 20, 2003)

November 20, 2003
I doubt that 58 pounds would qualify. Because we lose so much so quick,the worry would be she would become TOO thin. I feel for her because she is in that grey zone, health problems, overweight, but not obese enough to get surgery. I used to do medical review for WLS and it was 100 pounds or BMI of 40+ along with the comorbidities, it was ALL or nothing.
   — ZZ S.

November 20, 2003
I weighed 179 the day I went in and had WLS. I am only 4'11" so I had a BMI of 35. I had to deal with alot of negativity because to some people I was too small for such a proceedure. Maybe I wasnt as big as others, but in my heart I felt that I was going in that direction. The decision to have WLS saved my life. I have lost 43 lbs and ALL of my co-moridities in just 6 months!! I feel wonderful and know I made the right decision! Tell your sister to go for it!! HUGZ!
   — S A.

November 20, 2003
Some foreign DS surgeons will operate on smaller patients; Dr Baltasar in Spain and Dr Marchesini in Brazil are excellent. Also, some American surgeons are in a study of the Lapband for people with a BMI between 30 and 35. I feel for her, it's a real catch 22!
   — Chris T.

November 21, 2003
Has she stayed at this (188) weight and is maintaining or does her weight climb and this 188 is only a temporary weight??? I'd say that if this is a maintainable weight for her, then NO she doesn't need this surgery b/c if she can maintain that weight, she does not really have an obesity disease. People who need this surgery are really overweight and their weight continues to rise... it isn't for someone somewhat overweight and can maintain a certain weight. I understand that people want this tool b/c it works, BUT they must have pbesity the disease in order for this surgery to work. If I were 58 lbs overweight and could maintain that weight, I would never consider altering my insides for a surgery. Just my thoughts on the subject. gail -101
   — Bama Beach Girl

November 22, 2003
I had the mini gastric bypass done this past Tuesday(11-18-03). I went into it with a BMI of 34.4 and it actually went down to 33.3 the day before surgery. I had no problems getting qualified, and my surgeon thought it would take care of my problems before they go to out of hand. I am 5' 11" so I am about 80 pounds overweight. Please have her email me if she has any questions. Bridget
   — Mini Gadget

November 22, 2003
I DONT KNOW HOW TALL YOUR SISTER IS, BUT I STARTED AT 332 AND AM AT 179. AFTER THIS LOOSE SKIN IS REMOVED FROM MY ABDOMEN, I WILL LOOK A PERFECTLY NORMAL SIZE. WHEN I TELL PEOPLE WHAT I WEIGH, THEY DONT BELIEVE ME. IM ONLY ABOUT 15 LBS FROM MY HEALTH WEIGHT RANGE AT 5'8, SO I PERSONALLY THINK IT NUTS TO APPROVE SOMEONE AT 188 IF THERE ONLY PROBLEM IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. MOST PEOPLE HAVE BACK PROBLEMS AND AT THAT WEIGHT, I DOUBT HERS ARE FROM OBESITY.
   — christina K.