Question:
looking for advice from people who started their journey over 500lb...

I currently weigh 546 lb, and my doctor says I am an excellent candidate for this surgery. Can anyone who weighed over 500 lb share their experiences with me? please feel free to email me any advice at all...thanks!!!    — Phillip C. (posted on September 15, 2003)

September 15, 2003
You will find people at Yahoo group WLS400Plus who meet your criteria. I was 442. Hope you join us! Chris D.
   — zoedogcbr

September 15, 2003
My highest weight was 485lbs. I saw a surgeon who told me I was too fat to operate on. It took me 2 years to lose to 382. I went to a different surgeon, his office told me he would only operate on people under 350. I went to another surgeon, he agreed to do wls and got approved by my ins. I was 388 the morning of surgery. Im 11 months post op today and weigh about 250. Im about 1/2 the woman I used to be!! If you find a trustworthy surgeon who will take you and your insurance agrees to pay, look at it as a gift from God and that it must be "your turn" and go for it! I always said that when God wants me to have this surgery He will provide he way. He did and I thank Him for it daily. If God has made this way for you, then my friend you are in good hands!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!
   — cherokey55

September 15, 2003
FEMALE, 55 YR OLD ,WHO STARTED OUT AT 445 LBS & GAINING, ON 03/26/03 WHEN I STARTED MY LIFE OVER AFTER OPEN RNY. I HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY IT IS UNBELIEVEABLE & ALTHOUGH I STILL WEIGHED 365 LBS AS OF 1 MTH AGO (WILL BE WEIGHED AT DOCS OFFICE AGAIN ON THURSDAY) I FEEL LIKE A WHOLE NEW PERSON...GOOD LUCK ON HAVING YOUR SURGERY & REMEMBER THAT MEN LOSE FASTER SO IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE YOU ARE AT THE WEIGHT YOU WANT...
   — BLSLIM77

September 15, 2003
My highest known weight was 502 and that was after 6 months of exercising and changing eating habits so who knows how high I was. I'm only 5'3 so my BMI was close to 90. By my surgery consult I was down to 462, I have sleep apnea and high BP. I had open RNY with no complications. I'm still having medical problems from pre-surgery conditions but I am very satisfied with surgery. Feel free to check out my profile. Best wishes!
   — Sarahlicious