Would you get WLS if you had only 50 lbs to lose???

 I'm 5 feet tall... first appointment I weighed in at 210... ive got all the typical issues, high blood pressure, asthma, dangerously high blood sugars, acid reflux, sleep apnea... I also have a small hole in my heart which makes the 30 lbs I gain and lose consistently through the years make me at a high risk for sudden stroke.

I've been told from the beginning that I was one of the "smallest" patients my doctor's office had ever seen, but I was terribly unhealthy so not to worry, they would put together the paperwork and see what the insurance company says-  well I got approved.

I really didn't think Tricare would approve me- I got a call yesterday and i'm still in shock.  I'm nervous and excited and totally second guessing the decision and wondering if getting WLS is justified for my particular case.

Since I started the appointments in July I have lost 20 lbs on my own with clean/healthy eating choices- but losing weight isn't the issue, its maintaing weight loss that is the struggle.

Does anyone have any feedback who has been in a similar situation as me?  

That's such a hard call.  I think people would be quick to say that surgery is kind of drastic for "just" 50lbs, but if your life depends on it (and it sounds like it may) then it may be the best option for you long term.  Which surgery are you considering?  May be one surgery is better for you than another.  Good luck on your decision.

 You are 5 feet, 210 so bmi is 41

I am 5'6, and was 255 so my bmi was also 41

I had the surgery! 

At 210lbs your BMI is 41 - yes a lightweight, but actually higher than mine was at surgery ...

If you lose 100lbs your BMI will be 21.5 which is about what mine was at the end of my weight loss.  

The only difference is our height, but you are as overweight as many of us were before surgery.   A 50lb loss would still have you in the "very overweight" category of over 31 BMI - a little too heavy for good health - although clearly better than where you are now!   

THIS is why your insurance company have approved your WLS.   I'm surprised you are the smallest your surgeon has ever seen ...  

 Thats a hard call, I think it is really your comfort. Surgery helps you to make good decisions, however you can eat around the surgery if you want to so you still have to be committed. Good luck in your decision

My situation is very similar to yours.  I am 5'2 and I weighed 221 prior to my RNY.  I also was one of the "smallest" patients at my dr's office too.  I had many of the same co-morbidities that you have.  Surgery for you is totally justified.  You have to do it for your health.  The surgery is a tool to help you keep the weight off so that it isn't such a struggle no matter how many lbs it is. But of course, you have to manage your tool properly so that it does work for you.

I missed the part that you have lost 20.... It may still be right for you, in long run, to have this tool to help keep it off... It is a big life changing commitment, and I know for myself, this will help me in long run.... You will know in your heart what is right for you. :)

I'm 5'5".... my consult weight was 234 (bmi 38.9)... day of surgery 219 (bmi 36.4).... currently about 125 depending on the day (bmi 20.8).  My surgeon's goal weight for me was 150.... so, I had the surgery to "only" lose 69lbs. 

I have lost and regained huge amounts of weight in the past.  My highest ever was 278 and lowest adult pre-op was 132.  I had the surgery to give myself the best chance to maintain.  And, so far, so good.  My surgery was in March of 2010.

I would do this again in a heartbeat! 

Laura

 I'm 5 foot 1.  At my heaviest I was 223 pounds.  I was 205 on the day of my surgery.   

I chose to have this surgery because I had such horrible acid reflux and exercise and diet changes did not help.   I was told the RNY would solve the issue since it removes the majority of the acid producing areas of the stomach from having access to the esphogus.  I was told that my weight made me a horrible candidate for the traditional type of surgery for acid reflux.  

I'm two months out and weighed 179 yesterday.   I'm really committed to using this tool, despite the fact that wieght loss wasn't my first goal, to getting down to a normal BMI.   

I was told I was one of the "smallest" in the office too.  I kinda think its partially a way to make you feel better. . . an ego thing that is part of the sales pitch.   I don't regret my decision, but I never lose sight of the fact that bariatrics is big business.