A thought

I've been reading the complications forum, all kinds of forums and joined a group who are against the surgery (I wanted to read their stories). I know that there are SMO's who have complications, but it seems as though to me the most people with complications were under 250 before they had the surgery. Maybe I just want to believe that, but has anyone else thought that before about it being people who are smaller. To be honest had I been under 300 lbs I wouldn't have this surgery. My weight is keeping me from living so I feel it is the only choice for me.

Me too If I would have been 300 or less i would have not had this surgery either but im 485lbs so! I don't understand why someone 250 or less would even consider this surgery to me that isn't to obese you could do it yourself but then again when i was 250 why didn't i do something then also!

Hello, I did the sme thing as you, joined a con group and all, thought I knew in my heart I was going to have the surgery. I didn't find many SMO in the groups either, I think that SMO the complications are more wound related, like my self, in all my research, I really can't tell who has the most complications, but I do seem to see alot with the lighter folks myself. I also would not have this surgery at under 300 pounds...but then again, maybe if I did I wouldn't have ended up 450...urghhh if only I could go back in time and do it over.. Are you having open or lap? My surgeon only does open, and I felt ok with that. I am rooting for you!!! xoxox Gloria

HI I am pre-op, and I wiegh 280. I started at 315, but have lost 35 pounds since august on my own. I was doing great until recently, and that is why I chose WLS even though I am under 300 because I know I wont be for long. Also, I am barely over 5' tall so for me 280 puts my BMI over 50. So I can tell you that is why I have chosen to have surgery even though I am under 300. Even at this weight I have very severe sleep apnea, I HAD asthma before I lost the 35 pounds, and I get tired all the time, back pain all the time, but worst of all I cant keep up with my 5 year old and that breaks my heart. After reading your posts I felt I needed to share my feelings that each individual situation is unique and just because you dont weigh over 300 doesnt mean that Obesity isnt taking over your life. I hope that I am not one of the people who runs into many complications, but I do believe it is a risk for everyone, and we all need to make our own personal decisions whether or not it would be worth possibly running into these complications. It is a difficult and life altering choice for someone to make at any weight.

For me I would not do the surgery under 300 lbs. I don't honestly think someone should do it under 250 especially if their BMI is below say 42 (but that is my own personal opinion). For me being 300-335 was fine. I had no sleep apnea, asthma or diabetes. I was able to work, walk 2 miles a day, etc. At 455 I'm sedentary because walking hurts. I now havesleep apnea, diabetes, sciatic nerve problems, asthma, and arthritis of my ankle. So when I say Iwouldn't have the surgery done if I were under 300 lbs....that is a personal choice and in no way judging anyone else.

Diane, You are so close to your surgery date! Think positive thoughts. You will feel so much better after a few months. I'm six months out and have lost 110 lbs. I no longer have to take my blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds. I'm able to go to the gym 6 days a week. It is a new life for me. Congratulations on your rebirth! Lori 384/274/170

Diane, I do not think you were judging anyone, and I know that your post was a personal opinion, I was just simply explaining WHY someone under 300 would choose this from my point of view, most of the things that you experience at 455, I am also experiencing at 280. And, I know that if I dont do it now, i will likely get to weigh much more than I do now. I was not in any way offended by your post or anyone elses, I just wanted you to know that there are some people that weigh 250-300 pounds and have a BMI over 50 and several co morbitities. So it really doesnt always matter what your weight is, but how it is affecting your life. Good luck with your surgery, you are so close, you should be happy that you have made a great decision to change your life. Dont stress over complications, you will do this and you will be fine! We are all here for support, I will have you in my thoughts and prayers. Karyn

Karyn I totaly agree with your point. A person weighing 250 at 5'2 is alot diffrent than say someone my height, 5' 8". I would probably be able to live with that weight better than the 5'2" person. ~Cindy~