Newbie needs help and has a few questions

Hello. I am about 5 foot 7 and weigh 217. My BMI is 34 I think.  I am considering having weight loss surgery, if I qualify. I have weighed over 200 lbs for the last 10 years.  250 being my highest weight.

I have tried everything to lose weight! I suffer from fibromyalgia and a herniated disk in my lower back w/spinal stenosis, neck pain, knee pain, etc.  Therefore, my exercise is very limited as daily activities are a struggle. I also have very large breasts and suffer from severe forward head posture and my gynecologist has suggested I have a reduction. I have 2 children and am also a full time student pursing a nursing degree.  That is if I can get healthier and be medicfally cleared wiithout any restrictions.  I am having testing done next week to determine if I am diabetic, as I seem to have problems with my blood sugar.  I guess my main questions are what are my chances of qualifying for surgery since my BMI is not over 40 and does my back injury and such help with qualifying?  I have discussed with my doctor and am now realling wanting to pursue this.  I don't want to sound stupid, but should I be less cautious over the holidays and gain a few more lbs. so I'm at least at 35 BMI.  Do I have to have physician moniterd diet program?  Also, my insurance does pay for WLS on a case by case basis.  I am under a large group plan with Healthlink OAP PPO.  I would even be willing to pay out of pocket if I am a candidate. I'm really miserable.  Any advice is greatly appreciated. 

most insurance do require over 40 bmi...,.i would say when you go to surgeon to buy some heavy weights and put in pockets , wear your heavist  clothes.  with your co-morbitalies  i would say you more than qualify except for your weight...like i said most insurance are really strict about that ....get intouch with your insurance and see what their qualifing list are.

if i were going to pay cash for it i would go to Mexico ,lots cheaper and price includs plane fare, hotel and week stay on the beach lol...

the diet program is if your insurace company wants that good luck and keep coming back to the board. let us know what is going on ....we care about your journey..and you.

Hi wanted to chime in and say that I too had healthlink and altho they will make you jump thru some hoops, they paid for mine and I never had a 40bmi. I had to have a 35 bmi and at least 3 co-morbidities. Mine were borderline diabetes, arthritis and in-continence. And of course the fact that I had already had to have knee replacements added to that too!

Just wanted to let you know too that if you are having a hard time getting around, try to get into water aerobics for your exercise program and it is very do-able for people in pain and it works too! Blessings to you on this journey....

Thank you for the responses. I'm feeling encouraged and motivated to begin this journey!  I forgot to mention that I am going college full time for nursing and I can't get into the nursing program that I want until I get a complete release from my Dr. with no limitations or restrictions. I'm very hopeful that my insurance will help with this surgery and that I will get to a more comfortable weight and be able to feel better and be more active. At this rate, Im going to school for nothing. 

Thanks for all your encouragement and kind words.  I'm going to enjoy eating this holiday season and although gaining a few pounds normally depresses me, in this case it might not be a bad idea to move my bmi up a few pts.  :)

Hugs and Harmony!