Question:
Im 5

who are about my height and weight. Im having a tough time, with my family supporting me. Everyone keeps saying I can do it own my own. Im sooo depressed. I'm tired of being fat! I've tried everything. I feel like this is my only hope. If you are or were in my shoes, please tell me how you deal with family and friends who don't feel you are "big enough" to have the surgery. I already met with the surgeon, Im just wating to hear from my insurance company. Also, is it possible that I'll lose too much since Im not over 300 pounds? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!    — aisha E. (posted on January 17, 2003)

January 17, 2003
Hi, I am 5'1" and I weigh 228 pounds. Everyone says that I am not big enough or they say "why don't you drink Slimfast or something." Well duhhhhhh!! My husband is the only one who supports my decision. my surgery is Jan.30th. My husband has seen me struggle to walk any distance, tie my shoes. get in and out of the car, wipe my butt and etc. Not to mention the high blood pressure and fibromyalgia and joint and back pain. Until they walk in our shoes they don't know what they are talking about. And no, you will not lose too much. A rare few have trouble with losing too much. Our bodies kind of have a natural stop signal built in. They know when to stop. Good luck
   — Delores S.

January 17, 2003
Hi, I am 5'2 and weighed 212 the day of surgery. I heard it all of the time that I wasn't big enough but we're short and 5-10 lbs over our ideal weight looks big on us. I have lost over 70 lbs and I will be 6months post op on Feb. 7th. I have never felt better and have a life again.
   — TP

January 17, 2003
Hi! My name is Arlene and the day of surgery I weighed 226 pounds and today, just 8 mnths later, I weigh 136. Most people guess my weight to be about 115-120 pounds. The surgery is nothing short of a blessing to me! This was all about me. Like you I heard the comments of how serious this was, or that I wasn't "that big". Only you know how you feel and this is such a personal choice. One that I have never regretted. So best of luck and let the losing begin!!!
   — blueyez2668

January 17, 2003
Well, people told me that "I wasn't that big" and "You don't need this surgery" also (even the people at the hospital when I went for my pre-op tests!) I was 5'6" and 252 pounds pre-surgery. I guess I carry my weight well--because when the nurse came in to get me for the OR, she said "Oops, I have the wrong room", left and then came back and asked me my name---found out I WAS the right person! I was 120 pounds overweight. What I want to know from all the folks who think that someone is not "big enough to need this surgery" is "How big do you want us to get?!!!!" Should we gain another 100 pounds and put ourselves further at risk during this serious operation? No, no, no!! If you have researched the surgery and are at peace with your decision, go for it. You cannot control anyone's actions, words, or feelings except your own. I'm so glad that you have a supportive hubby---that is the most important thing of all. This surgery is not easy, but it is worth it! Take care of yourself and we'll all be pulling for you to have great success.
   — asumamma1

January 17, 2003
I pretty much went through the same thing. I am 5 6 1/2 and day of surgery i weighed 249lbs. I did not meet the bmi of 40 but i had sleep apnea so i was a candidate for the surgery. I have tried everything before. I had been thin all my life til about 29. Then seems i would average a weight gain of about 10 lbs per year. Well they add up. I was so tired before and was embarassed about how i looked. I did my research...Made this decision and all those who thought i should not have done it are singing a different tune now. I am now at 5 mo post op down to the 160's. I have gone from size 22 to 11/12 and i have tons and energy and sleep apnea is gone. So let them say what they will. You have to live your life your way and for your reasons...Go for it...And come here for support if you must. Good luck...
   — patti R.

January 18, 2003
I was 252 at time of surgery with a height of 5'2''. My father-in-law was the only person who had anything bad to say about me having the surgery, but he is one of those people who think that all you have to do is stop eating to lose weight. Don't let other people make the desion for you, its you life and i know you don't want to go through life the way you are. I made the desions without anyone permission, because its my life, not theirs. Just tell them to put your extra weight on them for a year and see how they feel, and that not all people can lose weight by themselves. A lot of people need help in doing so. Good luck and God bless.
   — Helen W.