Question:
MY BMI is 72.1, Am I too heavy for surgery?
is anyone else's that high who has had surgery? — jillygirl (posted on December 16, 2001)
December 15, 2001
Mine was close. I was 407 lbs. and had a 60+ bmi when I started my
journey. As of this morning, I am 254.5 lbs., so I've lost more than 150
lbs. Overall, I'm very happy with the surgery!!!
— Terissa R.
December 16, 2001
Jill,
You're definitely not too heavy, but it's very important you choose a
doctor whose used to dealing with patients with very high BMI's. It's
always important for everyone, but especially in your case, since the
surgery will be riskier and plus you want to know they're equipped and able
to care for you properly after surgery. You need to be able to go in the
day of surgery and know you're in the best possible hands!
Good luck! *hugs*
Anita 11/08/01 Dr Keshishian - Open DS
http://www.duodenalswitch.com
— Anita N.
December 16, 2001
Not at all. My surgeons highest weight patient was 1,100 pounds. This info
from the anestalogoist..., I asked him the day of Jens surgery. So you a
mere lightweight. But do look for a VERY experienced surgeon. Incidently my
wifes BMI was about 60 and our surgeon did her LAP in 1.5 hours for the
actual surgery, pre op intubation doubled this time. He told us in advance
that because of her size she was at a 5 to 10% risk of being converted to a
open, fortunately that wasnt necessary.....:)
— bob-haller
December 16, 2001
Jill: I don't think your BMI is too high for surgery, but being that
overweight may have caused you different health problems than those of us
with a lower BMI of 40-50 or so, ie: heart, liver, or other problems that
may be problematic for major surgery. Have you found a surgeon yet? Does
he/she recommend open or lap surgery? What type of WLS? If you have a very
large stomach, a lap surgery may be difficult. Also, if you have sleep
apnea or heart or lung difficulties, major surgery such as WLS may warrant
extra precautions in the operating room. I agree that a surgeon who has
experience with BMIs of 60 or above can best help you. Good luck!! You're
on the road to better health.
— Kristy J.
December 16, 2001
My daughter's BMI was in the low 70's. She had a very successful,
completely uncomplicated lap RNY with a surgery time of one hour. She has
lost 210 lbs. over the past 22 months, and continues to lose approximately
5 lbs./mo. Best wishes to you!
— Diana T.
December 16, 2001
My bmi was 83 pre op. I am down to around 53 now and feel so much better. I
still have quite a few points to go before I hit that magic #. But I will
get there.
— Jan M.
December 16, 2001
My pre-op BMI was 78.3, so you are a lightweight. Go to my profile.
You'll see. You are just fine for surgery. The bigger we are, the longer
it takes to get to 'normal', but, at 305, I can do a heck of a lot more
than I could 18 months ago at almost 500 pounds. Good Luck to you!
— merri B.
December 17, 2001
No way, you are fine. I started out at 543 pounds the day of my surgery and
am now 5 months post-op and lost 100 lbs! It will be the best thing you've
ever done. I have a long way to go but am determined to get there. Wish you
the best of luck and don't give up.
— Monica F.
December 18, 2001
Hi! My surgery is tomorrow! And my BMI is 84.1. I was told by my first
surgeon that he wouldn't do it. But I was determined, found one that would
and tomororws the big day. I will say this: Depending on your weight,
some hospitals won't take patients over a certain weight, as was the case
with my first surgeon. But I think if you don't have severe complications
then you should be fine. Good Luck!
— Pamela P.
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