NEWBIE WITH BMI OF 64

Hi everyone! First off, what is an SMO? I am from Vermont, age 36, married, with a 10 year old son. I weigh 406 pounds and have all those nice complications that go along with it. The new one they just found during my endoscopy is Heliobacter (H) Pylori bacteria. Anyone else have a problem with that? I started this whole process last August and hope to have a date soon. They keep finding other things that have to be resolved first. I guess they are just making sure all is OK before they slice me open. I went this route previously but quit because I got too scared. Now I am 100 pounds heavier than the last time. My endocrinologist tells me my life expectancy is not good right now so I really do not have a choice. I want my son to have his mom. And I want to live! I don't go out much because of the ridicule I get from everyone who just assumes I like to be a cow. I am however working to get my degree in Criminal Justice so I can someday work with victims of sexual abuse. So I do have to go to the college when I can't take a class online. It isn't easy. I will try and check back here often-I am taking 4 classes that all started this week so I will be busy busy. Thanks for your help. I would like to know how things went for any others who were this heavy at surgery time and also what they are doing about the excess skin. Jennifer

Jennifer, I know that waiting can be frustrating, however, be glad that they are resolving these issues upfront as it will be a blessing in the long run. When I started my journey I weighed in at 415.4 lbs w/BMI 65. To date I have lost 243 lbs. I am a single mom, working full-time and I am in my graduate program...I graduate this November! I am 8 below doctors goal, and 25 lbs from my personal goal! I am an avid exerciser since day one (7-days a week). Who cares what people think, it is what you think of yourself that matters. Know that you are worthy of love and to be loved, start by loving yourself, look in the mirror each day and tell yourself that you love yourself (sounds weird, but it helps). Excess skin...I went to see my PCP and he is giving me a referral to see a PS for reconstructive surgery. Mary

Welcome Jennifer! A SMO stands for Super Morbidly Obese. Since we all started out here with a BMI of greater than 50, we all fit into that category. I had my surgery May 2005. I started at 384 lbs, lost 20 lbs pre-op for the surgery, and have now lost a total of 126 lbs. I have 90 lbs to go and even though it is hard to believe, it actually feels doable. I was one of the lucky ones who has never had a complication. My surgery was laproscopic, so I didn't have any real healing issues either. Getting any other medical stuff resolved before the surgery that you can is a very good idea. I exercise 6 days a week for at least 1 hour. Oh yes, I have excess skin, not as bad as some of my fellow patients (I think the exercise has helped) but, I really will have to have it removed someday. My doctor recommends you wait at least 6 months after you reach your goal weight. So, it is far off for me at this point, plus, I don't know how I'll pay for it anyway. Lori 384/258/168

On my surgery day i was 500 lbs, i have since lost 78 lbs (yesterday) and am 3 months out. My bmi was 91, it was very hard being that large, and surgery was dificult for me becase i was so large. but the pain and uncomfortableness passed and i would never change that fact that i had surgery, if anything i would of had it sooner, before i got to the stage i was at. i know what you mean about not going out much, but now i want to be out, i feel better physically and mentally. i don't care what people say i know that i am doing good for me and they can kiss my BIG OL' BUTT... do get the surgery, it is a lifesaver. as for the excess skin, i am not quite at the point of getting that removed yet as i still have quite a way to go but i plan on going back to Mexico to have that taken care of too. right now i am using a lotion VERY high in cologen (the stuff that makes your skin more elastic) and hoping for the best. i have lymphedema in my calves (more like cows ) so the skin there is very streched out I am hoping for the best... take care - Jeremy

Welcome, Jennifer. Thanks for including us on your journey. As you can see from my sign, I've lost 155 pounds, and had a lot of redundant skin to prove it. Despite claims that lotions or exercise will prevent loose skin, in fact, is one's age, heredity, degree of obesity and how long one was obese are the main factors. That does not mean you should not exercise! I'm a nonop (I haven't had WLS, nor am I waiting to have WLS), and I would not have lost as much, nor kept it off for nearly a year now, without a grueling exercise regimen. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)

Jennifer, Hi....I weighed 381 at the time of my surgery. I now weigh 270, less than 6 months later. I had a very easy time with the surgery and recovery, almost too easy. The only complication is a very large hernia, which I am having repaired on Tuesday. I have gone from a 32 elastic-waist pants to a 22 real jeans, and the surgeon said I should expect to be 2-3 sizes smaller after the hernia repair. As far as skin, so far no problems, my skin is fitting nice and snug, but I have never been in the sun and had no skin damage or stretch marks, although I do smoke. My legs are big, but solid muscle, no jiggle at all. I do not exercise, although I know I should, but I live on the 4th floor and walk up and down stairs all day at work, too, and being a single mom, I get plenty of activity, just as before. I feel like I am in pretty good shape, though, as last week I had to walk to pick my car up at the garage a little over 5 miles away, and it took me less than an hour, and I was not tired at all. Good luck to you, and don't worry too much about the skin. It's not "extra skin," because you already have the skin now, you have just filled it up. Carrie

Glad you found this board and the amazing people here ok! Welcome!