-150 before surgery?

Hello everyone. I am new here and have some questions. Last week I went for my orientation and was disappointed to find out they only operate on people with a BMI between 40-60. I am 5'8" and weigh 550lbs, which makes my BMI 84.1. I'm confused because to have a BMI of 60 or less I'd have to loose 150lbs before surgery. They said they would help me loose it and work closely with me but if I could loose 150lbs on my own I wouldn't need the surgery. Any advice? I'm feeling really down about the whole process. Thanks in advance, Dannielle

My advice is---find a different surgeon! How far are you from Nashville, TN? I know that there are surgeons---and, just as importantly, hospitals---there who accept patients in the 800+ pound range. Dr. John Husted is one such, AND he does the DS---a form of WLS that many medical professionals feel is the better choice for the SMO patient.

I've been thinking about finding another surgeon. Do you know who Dr. Husted is with? BTW- thank you soo much!

My BMI was in the 80's also and my doc had no problem with it. The hospital, however, had a 450 lb wt limit for equipt sake. So, I lost 39 lbs. to reach that goal. I say, find a different surgeon. I had a hard time losing the 39, I can't imagine trying to lose 150!! If I could have lost that, I wouldn't need wls! Good luck to you, sweetie. Don't give up. Just shop your options!! Hugs, Vicki -117 incl pre op loss

I was worried about the weight limit and width of the operating table, and the hospital I went to had special equipment for fat people. They called the operating table a "Hercules Table" and they even had bigger (but much more uncomfortable) beds and even special lifts for people who could not transfer themselves from the operating table to the bed. Carrie

That makes sense. You'd think more places would have bigger equipment and chairs in the waiting rooms since they're doing surgery for people who are overweight. I've been looking around online now, with different doctor's, and I've noticed some bed are very big and actually look quite comfortable.

39lbs is a lot better than 150, that's for sure. I've been looking into Dr. Husted and he's operated on people with BMI's in the upper 90's so maybe there is hope for me!! Thanks for your help! Hugs, Dannielle

Dannielle, WELCOME!!!! I keep hearing this more and more. Doctors needing people to lose a large amount of weight before surgery. WHAT THE HECK?? If they could walk a mile in our shoes for just one day.....i think they would be more willing to extend the weight "limit". I understand its for your own benefit, but as long as we realize the higher risk associated with a higher BMI(we are fat........NOT stupid) Dont get discouraged,gf. There are a lot of people on here and surely someone (i see they have already) will have an answer for you. (((((((((HUGS)))))))))) willby

hi dannielle: first off - welcome to the board. i'm glad you decided to join us and hope you keep coming back. it's extremely helpful, people are invariably supportive, and you'll almost always find someone who's been there, done that. i agree with previous posts. find a different doctor. i know for a fact it can be done - i started with a bmi of 65. couldn't move, couldn't walk, couldn't do much of anything. losing weight was dang near impossible because of the physical impairments and comorbidities. since then - six months since surgery - i'm able to walk again, not alot but i can get through the grocery store now. i've lost 110+ lbs. i can handle being on the stationary bike for 15 minutes. but most of all, this surgery has given me hope. life is again a possibility. so, please don't continue to feel down about the process, just expand your search and you will find results. and don't forget to keep coming back here. we're all here to support and help. OK? take care dorthe

greetings i had a bmi of 66 at the time of surgery. don't know where in kentucky you are, but st vincent's in carmel indiana (indianapolis) didn't have any trouble handling my size. best to you. deb -164