BMI and surgery

[Pinkybow]

I've finally had my pre op letter after nearly 16 months of waiting. But my BMI is high, I've gained over 3 stones since my last surgery 5 years ago. I'm so scared they are going to say I can't have the surgery especially as it's with a bowl surgeon too. I'm just really struggling to loose the weight 😔 I don't really know what I'm asking for here other than has anybody been in the same position?

[27gems]

Hi Pinkybow, Sadly I'm in the same predicament. I've got endometriosis and adenomyosis and bowel adhesions and need two surgeons present - but my BMI is huge so I don't think they'll do the surgery. I've given up my wine - which I was using daily as pain so severe - and now I'm the size if a whale.

I've always been big but now need to loose for any treatment- but on a part time wage as can't work full time as always in pain and bleeding - I can't afford organic healthy food.

I'm going to try eating beans and lentils as cheaper than meat...... its a nightmare but only way to get surgery is with weight loss.

If you find any good ways do tell me! But I think 2L water, lemons for liver (as that helps hormones), avoiding refined food is a major help to weight & hormones and only olive oil, as almost every other oil bad for hormones and weight. If anyone can access a nutritionist it may help - waiting lists in London are over 2 years (like bowel Dr, gynae dr).

Good luck & let me know any thing that helps!

[Pinkybow in reply to 27gems]

I found slimming world really good last time to loose weight, but I was more mobile. I've been trying to stick to that's again and calorie count but I have hashimotos now and it is just so slow with the thyroid issues. We also welcomed a dog into our family which is helping me get out everyday as she has to be walked. It's just so hard. My appointment is in 3 weeks so I will let you know how it goes down x

[27gems in reply to Pinkybow]

Funny you should say that! I used to find SW really good but I've now got low thyroid, high hyperparathyroid, low cortisol and high uric acid!! Can't get any advice from GP - the Endocrinology refused referral saying not consistent enough as they flatuate which I think is just a cop out! We got a dog two years ago, I take him out every day - just hurts like mad... I thought exercise would help but doesn't seem to!

I am looking at natural hormone diet as cant think what else I can do! Wish it was straight forward!! But good luck with Dr - take a list of questions - I find it makes it easier to remember what you want to know!

[BlueGiraffe9]

My bmi takes me just into the obese category and I've just had my op. It wasn't even mentioned, in the end I asked if me being chubby was a problem! I've really struggled to lose weight for the past 5 years. In the end through weight watchers I lost 2 stone which I've put back on half a stone over last 2 years. I had to really focus on portion size and use a lot more veggies to fill me up. Hope that helps.

[Avourneen]

My husband lost two stone on the Keto diet in a couple of months he was really strict, maybe that is worth a shot as it does seem to work ?

[Starry1977]

I've been doing the body coach app and had success. Gives you meal plans with portion sizes for your weight and excercises. You can start on beginners.

[Escapologygirl]

I found Dr Michael Mosley fast 800 diet good as it really helps blood sugar cravings. I was the size of a whale and I found his books and Instagram very helpful My bestie did it with me and she's huge into martial arts but had a terrible sweet tooth and she loved doing it. I know how miserable being overweight and nothing you do works.

[Stitchrunner1]

I think you are asking for encouragement and reassurance. Getting over weight is so easy, taking the weight off is so much harder. I stormed weight on when I was ill. You have passed your first hurdle. You have taken responsibility for yourself and you are trying to do something about it. That is really something. You have also regognised that your weight is an important factor in your health. That is another big plus. So stop beating yourself up. . The key here is not to despair. It happens. Chuck out all the fad diets. They just don't work. My daughter is a weight lifter, she gave me the key to good weight loss. And it does work. Cut down the carbs, and up the protein. It really is that simple.. Do the changes slowly. One spoon at a time so you get so used to beans and veg. Use lentils into brown rice to get better food value. Another trick is not to use a smaller plate as often advised. It makes the food look paltry and you think you are not getting enough. Cut your portion size down and spread it out on a normal size plate. You think you are getting a lot and it tricks your brain. Portion sizes are vital. Cut down on the not so good stuff and fill up on the good stuff. That is all I did and I lost 95kg quite quickly. Simple healthy eating and portion size means you stick to your diet and it becomes a lifestyle not a punishment. Fad diets fail. You can do it. You have made your change by acknowledging you need to.

[Pinkybow]

Thanks for the tips everyone, I have lost half a stone this month already just by calorie counting and cutting out bread and pasta and keeping potato and rice as a really small portion of the plate. I'm just nervous for the pre op, I'm going to keep at it and pray I don't get turned down after waiting so long 🥴

[G3miniStar]

Depending what your BMI is I was told the NHS threshold for laps is a BMI of 30, otherwise they may have to do full open surgery. But the private hospital I ended up having it done at my weight wasn't even mentioned.

[Rachie9]

I'm waiting for a hysterectomy and my bmi is over 40. They said any wait loss brings the risk down but it wouldn't stop him from carrying out the surgery....I hope he is true to his word x

[Pinkybow in reply to Rachie9]

I hope it happens for you 🙏🏻 I know my surgeon said he recently did a women with a BMI of 50, mine is 39 but because I don't know my bowl surgeon it worries me x

[LawsTra]

Ask your doctors if you can try the Counterweight diet to help with weight loss for your surgery. It is a fluid only 800 calorie per day diet ( 4 shakes per day). If you are luckily financially able, you can do it yourself but costs £25 per box of 14 shakes ( 2 boxes per week for 4 weeks = £200)Not for everyone, no solid foods initially as you work back up to that after 12 weeks

[Pinkybow in reply to LawsTra]

I've not heard of this but it is worth asking. Thank you ☺️