Anyone "low" BMI but co-morbidities made the surgery doable?

Hi. I'm 5'3" and weight 205lbs, making my BMI 36.something. So not the 40 generally sought when qualifying for WLS. However, I have high BP, likely sleep apnea and GERD to name a few. Anyone in a similar situation still qualify for WLS? If so, what type of surgery did you have? Who was your doc? Thanks. Amy

Amy, I think most insurance companies are pretty strict on the idea of having to be a minimum of 100 lbs overweight for at least 5 years. Most (if not all) also require a physician supervised dieting for 6 months. Some also require visits to a dietician. A healthy BMI of 20-25 at your height is 113-141 lbs. The insurance would look at the extreme of 141 to calculate how far 'out' you are. At 205, you are 'only' 64 lbs overweight. I know that doesn't seem like 'only' to you, however there are people on here who would LOVE to be 64 lbs overweight. And insurance companies would view it that if they are going to spend $20,000+ on someone to have this surgery, let's do it for someone who is 164 or 364lb overweight instead. I know that isn't the answer you were hoping for. You didn't mention any life-threatening issues such as heart, etc so with the ones you listed, and your being just 64 lbs overweight, I would really be surprised if your insurance approved you. So...now what? I would get together with your physician and start a 1200 calorie diet. Drink 64 oz + of water. See a dietician and get some guidance as to how many g of protein/carb/fat/fiber you should be maintaining daily.Start exercising. You don't have to go full tilt to a gym if you don't want to or can't. Start by something so very cheap....walk! You don't have to walk a marathon either. It's been proven that three 10 minute sessions are just as beneficial as one 30 minute session. Get a pedometer and target getting 10,000 steps in a day. you may have to build yourself up to that...and that's ok. I think one of the most important things is support. You are welcome here. This is 'Obesity Help' NOT 'Weight Loss Surgery Help. Yes, many of us has had surgery...but many of us also wish we had known...and did...what we know now. Some of us has had complications...some severe ones. I will never regret having the surgery. It woke me up! I just wish I didn't need to be woken up and that I followed the advise I just gave you BEFORE I found myself at 352 lbs. One final thing...be honest with yourself. Join SparkPeople.com and log in everything you eat and drink. Log in your exercise. Join the Spark Teams. Take charge of your nutrition and it will repay you by making you healthier! Sherri

Hi Amy, I had my surgery in March 2007.  My BMI was below 40, I am 4'11, weighted 193, but like you I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and there was no problem.  I have Blue Cross, Blue Shield. 

Hi Amy, Sherri's probably right for the most part, but I will say that my BMI was "only" about 38 when I had my consultation.  I am 5'4" and at consult weighed 218.  On my surgery date of 5/11 I was 210.  So technically probably less than 100 lbs overweight for me, although I could still lose 100 and be within a "normal" weight for my height.  I was approved first time attempted, did not have to do a 6 month diet either.  My co-morbidities were hypertension and extremely high cholesterol for the most part.  I also had joint and back pain, probably mild sleep apnea, although they just had me answer a questionairre and I never had to do a sleep study, and mild urinary stress incontinence.  I will say that I have very good and very liberal insurance with the Federal version of BC/BS.  My surgeon first told me she thought I was an excellent candidate for RNY, but my biggest challenge was going to be insurance approval, but I was lucky in that I didn't have any problems with that.  Most surgeons and insurance have a policy that they will approve you if you have a BMI between 35 and 39 with co-morbidities, so it isn't hopeless.  You may also want to check out the "Light-weights" board here on OH.com, as there are a lot of people there in the same situation.  BTW, I had RNY surgery, since you asked what kind of surgery.  I had it on 5/11 and again at consult was 218 and surgery date I was 210.  I'm just over two weeks out now, and this morning I weighed in at 191.  Good luck, Kim

I believe most insurance companies require a bmi of 40 without co-morbidities or 35 with co-morbidities. Good luck. Cindy

Thanks for the replies, ladies. I guess the only way to know is to get the consult and try to get insurance approval. I'm kind of afraid to do it. My dh had a RNY 4 years ago. The beginning of recovery was incredibly rough. He ended up losing 200 lbs. but has had some cross-addiction issues. So I think it feels "safer" to inquire here than to take the bold step of actually talking to a doc... Guess, my real issue now is how to get my head in the game!  :)