Discuss!

[Stacey03]

There was an interesting post from Disneyfan about low BMIs and surgery. I'm going to put my answer here in case anyone wants to discuss it more.
In other news I've been super busy but I love yous all :-)


I just want to jump in here with my story.
My BMI was 31 at surgery too. I had lost 37 ish kilos beforehand over a few years so at one time my BMI was higher.
I went to my surgeon (in Australia) self pay and he did it as his thoughts are that there is often a possibility of getting diabetes, heat disease etc later anyway even if your BMI is lowish in terms of weight loss surgery.
He did say that I would potentially become underweight and told me all the risks of surgery. I quite understood all of that as I am a nurse myself and my partner is a doctor. My partners opinion was 'lets have a serous chat' we did - and then she supported me all the way.
I was unable to lose more weight despite running 50km a week and doing 3 crossfit sessions a week. I was super fit, I ate clean anyway and I researched for about a year.I didn't take it lightly but I absolutely know I made the right decision.
I had a few psychology sessions beforehand and I was never an emotional eater. In fact I was probably more a food snob. I am perfectly happy with tiny plates of artistic food.
I think it may be more difficult for people who are emotional eaters, one has to then find other ways to cope with challenges. I was just born hungry! And possibly all my sport made me ravenous!
My surgery was in November 2017. I was down to about 55-56kilos in 7 months and that's where I sit. Sometimes I lose a couple more kilos and then have to work hard on eating frequently (All the good things, I practically never eat crap, its never been my thing).
Things to keep in mind...
You will have to take vitamins for the rest of your life.
You will do far better if you exercise and are strong and healthy.
Its worth chasing to a psychologist to make sure your head is all sorted on it.
Its a big operation and takes a while to recover from.
You will have to change the way you cook and eat and organise your day. You will get annoyed by the at first.
You'll work it out.

In terms of Mexico. I'm sure some people have done fine there but it is useful to have a local surgeon in case of any issues. I know that opinions are changing in the obesity field and that it is now recognised that if someone has a predisposition to obesity that it is not a bad thing to sleeve them at a BMI of 31 because you may save them some health issues later.

With all due respect to people answering here on the forum( and I love yous all!!!): I think we have to be very mindful not to discourage people. I absolutely agree that if someone has a BMI below 30 and maybe could make some lifestyle changes a sleeve is not always an option. We must be sensible about such things. But it is a complex area and someone with a BMI of 31 may be an excellent candidate too (as obesity experts are now recognising). There can be as many challenges for people with a BMI of 31 as for someone with a BMI of 50. I think just because someone is thinking about it doesn't mean it's a flippant decision.

Disney - I would really recommend you going to chat with an obesity expert in your area and seeing their opinion is on this. Please don't be discouraged. Maybe take a look at changes you can make yourself anyway. Chat to lots of people so you can make an informed decision.

Also - Do come back to the forum to ask questions and get support. I have had no end of support here EVEN though my BMI was 31 ;-)
I wish you all the very best :-)

[sraebaer]

Thanks for sharing your point of view.

[AnnieG]

There was an interesting post from Disneyfan about low BMIs and surgery. I'm going to put my answer here in case anyone wants to discuss it more.
In other news I've been super busy but I love yous all :-)


I just want to jump in here with my story.
My BMI was 31 at surgery too. I had lost 37 ish kilos beforehand over a few years so at one time my BMI was higher.
I went to my surgeon (in Australia) self pay and he did it as his thoughts are that there is often a possibility of getting diabetes, heat disease etc later anyway even if your BMI is lowish in terms of weight loss surgery.
He did say that I would potentially become underweight and told me all the risks of surgery. I quite understood all of that as I am a nurse myself and my partner is a doctor. My partners opinion was 'lets have a serous chat' we did - and then she supported me all the way.
I was unable to lose more weight despite running 50km a week and doing 3 crossfit sessions a week. I was super fit, I ate clean anyway and I researched for about a year.I didn't take it lightly but I absolutely know I made the right decision.
I had a few psychology sessions beforehand and I was never an emotional eater. In fact I was probably more a food snob. I am perfectly happy with tiny plates of artistic food.
I think it may be more difficult for people who are emotional eaters, one has to then find other ways to cope with challenges. I was just born hungry! And possibly all my sport made me ravenous!
My surgery was in November 2017. I was down to about 55-56kilos in 7 months and that's where I sit. Sometimes I lose a couple more kilos and then have to work hard on eating frequently (All the good things, I practically never eat crap, its never been my thing).
Things to keep in mind...
You will have to take vitamins for the rest of your life.
You will do far better if you exercise and are strong and healthy.
Its worth chasing to a psychologist to make sure your head is all sorted on it.
Its a big operation and takes a while to recover from.
You will have to change the way you cook and eat and organise your day. You will get annoyed by the at first.
You'll work it out.

In terms of Mexico. I'm sure some people have done fine there but it is useful to have a local surgeon in case of any issues. I know that opinions are changing in the obesity field and that it is now recognised that if someone has a predisposition to obesity that it is not a bad thing to sleeve them at a BMI of 31 because you may save them some health issues later.

With all due respect to people answering here on the forum( and I love yous all!!!): I think we have to be very mindful not to discourage people. I absolutely agree that if someone has a BMI below 30 and maybe could make some lifestyle changes a sleeve is not always an option. We must be sensible about such things. But it is a complex area and someone with a BMI of 31 may be an excellent candidate too (as obesity experts are now recognising). There can be as many challenges for people with a BMI of 31 as for someone with a BMI of 50. I think just because someone is thinking about it doesn't mean it's a flippant decision.

Disney - I would really recommend you going to chat with an obesity expert in your area and seeing their opinion is on this. Please don't be discouraged. Maybe take a look at changes you can make yourself anyway. Chat to lots of people so you can make an informed decision.

Also - Do come back to the forum to ask questions and get support. I have had no end of support here EVEN though my BMI was 31 ;-)
I wish you all the very best :-)

Stacey03, my BMI was not very high, but at 65 with multiple co morbidity, including debilitating unstable angina, even though insurance wouldn't cover me, my husband and I made the decision to do it, self-pay.

My loss was very fast...but having always had some stomach & intestinal issues, "toad froth", diarrhea and vomiting were my companions about the first 7 months. Now that I am so much better (unless I eat too quickly), my weight remains pretty darn stable. I do have a tendency not to eat too much and my body hangs on to weight and it goes up (which is just too weird).

I don't think low bmi is a reason not to have the surgery, if you are paying for it. It is not cosmetic since you will have scars and loose skin, regardless of the surgery. But health should be the primary reason at any BMI to have it, IMHO.

If you are doing it for your appearance, it is very hard to stick with it...you have to work all the tools, the sleeve, the tracking, the dietician, and the possibly seeing a counselor.

As long as you do your research, know its work, and know that you still have to change! Just 2 cents worth

[Stacey03]

Agreed Annie :-)

[Christie13]

I don't disagree with any of that but most surgeons in the US will not do the sleeve with a BMI of under 31 and that is why most will opt to go to Mexico. And while many have successful surgeries in Mexico...it is always a gamble finding a doctor who will tend to you after surgery and people on here have talked about that. Now, I had a scar revision to in Croatia when I lived in Italy. I did not have any issues and my experience was absolutely terrific. I can see how people are apprehensive about Mexico, though. So I do believe most people do come from a place of confirm. I do not think that getting surgery with a BMI of 31 is cosmetic. I wish everyone who needs this surgery has an opportunity to get it in a healthy, safe environment.

[Dutchie]

I think a low BMI does not necessarily means no WLS.
It all depends on the reasons why, the expectations of the outcome and the commitment, I think.
As long as there are medical, physical reasons and not only because someone wants to look thin, I see no problems.
But I would make sure I would do it in a safe hospital with a very good surgeon.
Not go for the lowest price, although that may be tempting.