Help

OK folks, I was in the process hoping to have a RNY procedure done. I have met with my primary and she is sooo up for me doing this procedure. I have not met with any surgeons yet, but I have called. They told me to have a sleep test done - well the sleep test was done October 1..just got the phone call that I don't have sleep apena.  I am 5 '4 and weigh 215-218. My BMI is 36.9. I was told they will not do surgery unless I am over 40. If I am between 36-40 I need to co-morbities. I am in pain every day due to my 8 back surgeries do due a bad car accident,. I really can't do any excercise - My back is due toto my weight, and my weight is due to my back. I am getting so depressed. Any suggestions? I am so frustrated and don't know what else to do.

Do you have any other issues? High BP or anything like that?

If not, then you may be stuck in that window. my BMI was 39 but I had sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

No other issues. This is so hard. I have been up and down for ever, and looks like nothing will wor****il I have a BMI of 40

i so feel your pain. Can't your ortho doctor write you a letter stressing that your weight is a factor with your back problems?  Just a suggestion. How about your blood sugar levels? Are they normal?  Could you be diabetic or borderline?

Nope - Everything is fine w/ that. Now I am looking into the Lapband. I want to contact a doctor to see if I will be a canidate. According to some of the qualifications - I maybe a canidate

Sounds to me like you need to talk to your doctor about your chronic back pain being associated with your weight.

Just a thought.

Well I have tried the back pain thing to - and my answers have been - Sorry Kelly you need 2
co-morbidities.

Hi, I too have no co-morbidity issues at this time, my sleep study was negative also, I do have PCOS, do you? I have joint and back pain from the excess weight, and have been over weight for 10 plus years, I do have a higher BMI, then you, but not by much.  I would push back, write letters talk to all your "treating" physicians.  Try to explain that the cost of being overweight in the long run will cause these co-morbidity issues making your health decline causing more money to deal with them if you had the surgery and could make the steps in your life to be all around healthy.  I wish you luck, I am fighting my own insurance battle, right along with you.

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater  - From an Insurance website.

Good Luck!!

Have you considered lapband? Since your BMI isn't high enough for RNY the lapband may be a better fit for you? I'm not sure the same requirements apply to that or not, but some people with similar weight issues to yours do very well with the band...just a thought.

The issue you may have with the band is the same requirements of RNY. Insurance carriers suck and they are the ones who make these co-morbities and leave no room for anything else. Again, it will come down to your insurance carrier, but mine you needed a BMI 40 or greater or <40 with the typical Co-morbities (BP, Sugar, etc.).