Question:
Did others change their mind when their BMI became borderline?
I understand the need for this surgery, especially when the BMI is high. The chart says over 40 is high, but IS 41 high ENOUGH? Should I reconsider wls? ( i know everyone has to decide for themselves if this is the right time or step to take,but) I know the personal feelings I have is that I can not make any more failing efforts. I feel less justified in asking for the surgery when I see many others with BMI's over 50. Is it because I don't feel worth the surgery? OR am I considering a rational concern? I can't tell! — Danine N. (posted on April 10, 2001)
April 10, 2001
Well, I know what my answer would be . . . have the surgery! If you are at
least 100 pounds overweight, do it! It is medically necessary! So what if
you aren't 200 pounds overweight (YET!) cause that would have happened to
me, I know, cause I just kept going up and up and I didn't see an end in
sight. Actually, I was about 110 to 120 overweight and I've lost 108 this
year so I am near goal and don't regret it one bit!
— Cindy H.
April 10, 2001
My BMI is borderline 39/40 and I'm going for it. I know that if I don't,
I'm likely to keep going up. My mother was about my size at my age and she
went up and up until she reached 360lbs at age 50. In the meantime, she
has developed many co-morbidities, including complete degeneration of both
knees. Why should any of us have to wait until our weight is so out of
control and we are even sicker than now to do this? I see this as a
preventative measure to help me avoid the ailments she has suffered with.
If it is true that only 2 -5% of diets actually work and I'm already 100lbs
overweight, there seems to be nowhere to go but up. I say go for it!
Don't feel like you're less qualified. I've heard from a lot of people
with high BMIs that say they wish they'd done it sooner. Good luck!
— PT LawMom
April 10, 2001
Danine, do not worry about anyone else's BMI, worry about your own, because
most people who have high BMI's wish they did it when their BMI was only 40
or 41. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to change your life now
before it gets too out of hand...My BMI was 41 when I started, but on the
day of my surgery my BMI was only 39 and I still knew that I was getting
this surgery no matter what. Is it nice to be able to read everyone's
profile and get needed input, but remember it is not how high your BMI is
that makes you ready it is when your heart and mind tells you that you are
ready...There are some people who's BMI may be 55 and they feel that they
do not need this surgery so remember everyone is different...Remember this
is all about you wanting to change your life and no one else!!! Don't
worry about anyone else's BMI, believe me they were not worried about
yours, their first concern was wheter or not they wanted this surgery or
not...So keep that in mind while making your decision....
Good Luck
Open RNY 3-30-01
— Ang B.
April 10, 2001
Go for it! I was just approved and my BMI is 40. I have been overweight my
entire life. When I was younger I was I was fighting with 40 or 50 lbs.
Now, its 100lbs. I want to do something now before I get any older and the
weight goes any higher. Good Luck!
— Merrianne V.
April 10, 2001
My BMI was not borderline but had it been I would have been more cautious
in selecting surgery. I think its wise on your part to really consider
whether the surgery is right for you (we all need to do so) The recent Self
article raised an issue which I noticed from reviewing this site: Some
persons with lower BMI's have a difficult time with post op issues, while
those with higher BMI's seem not to as frequently. Pardon the pun but
weigh your options. I am definitely not trying to discourage you - im
certain this surgery saved my life and I do wish I had the courage to do it
at your stage (regretfully I didnt) But - make an informed decision. I
wish you all the best - regardless of your decision.
— [Anonymous]
April 10, 2001
My BMI was 40.5 and this surgery was a lifesaver for me, no question. I had
terrible GERD, crippling arthritis (walked with a cane sometimes) and now I
am pain free both in my tummy and in my knees. In fact I work out everyday
and have started running a couple of times a week. Once I got down to the
bottom of the fat I discovered that I had very small bones for my height
(I'm 5'8"). The weight was breaking my knees down; I just couldn't
carry it. So even with a lower BMI the surgery was medically essential for
me!
— [Deactivated Member]
April 10, 2001
I wrestled with this question until a recent support group meeting. I
spoke with several women heavier than I am and began thinking I was making
a mistake until I asked them if they had any health problems. Many did
not. I then realized that some people can weigh more than I do but they
may be healthier. I have most of the co-morbids. I need this surgery to
halt the rapid progression of diabetes, hypertension, GERD and all the
joint pain which leads to degenerative joint disease. Consider your own
health when making this decision. I know my future without WLS and I am
willing to accept the risks to change the course I am on.
— Shannon S.
April 10, 2001
My BMI is 40 and my surgery is a few hrs. from now. I look at it this way.
My ins. co., set guidelines and I qualify so I'm entitled even with a lower
BMI. I have had the same struggles as those with more weight to lose. I
have done the same diets and failed,done the same Dr. supervised diets and
failed. Luckily I only have a little over 100 lbs to lose and my co-morbids
are minor in my eyes compared to Diabetes & High Blood pressure(I don't
have these). I want to do this while I'm still healthy and I can choose to
do this. I don't want this when I become so sick then it may be a risk for
me.You are entitled and deserving just as anyone else. If you have doubts
for any other reason(don't trust surgeon or whatever)than I would take my
time and reevaluate.Best wishes on this new journey of discovery!
— Linda M.
April 10, 2001
I highly agree with Linda. I am pre-op and waiting for approval. Meanwhile,
I am borderline and even fluctuate down to 39BMI, so I am actually eating
to maintain my BMI above 40 so there will be no question of qualifying.
This is the first time in my life that I chose to gain a few pounds to help
my health. My suggestion to you would be if your having doubts do more
research on this site, in books, ask your dr more questions, etc. Don't
stop searching until you are totally comfortable with your decision and
become committed (for or against surgery). Good luck.
— Pamela W.
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