May 05, 2017

Current stats: 37 yrs, 5'6", 245 BMI 39.5

I have struggled with weight ups and downs my entire adult life. I have only had health care insurance for the past 3years so proving weight issues for the past 5 is a problem. My current insurance company covers bariatric surgery but not weight loss programs.

I have depression, anxiety and asthma. I snore so loudly I wake up my husband. My joints ache, my legs and feet swell and are painful. I sweet walking even short distances. I have a 3 year old son who I am unable tokeep up with. I am desperate to be a healthy weight so I can enjoy the outdoors with my loved ones.

Am I a candidate for WLS?

How should I handle the issue of not having 5 yrs of proof of weight issues?

Are my current health issues enough to qualify for a BMI of 35?

Please any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

You say you didn't have insurance for year 4 and 5, but did you never see a doctor or go to the ER during that time? A weight record from any medical treatment will do. Just get any record that you would have from that time.

As for being a WLS candidate, only your insurance can tell you that; they are all different.

No I didn't see a Dr. or any of the sort it was to expensive. I'll gather all info. I can and pray it will be enough. Thanks for your help.

It sounds like what you really need to do is call the number on the back of your insurance card and find out what their requirements are.

I highly recommend that you ask your PCP for a sleep study as sleep apnea is a comorbidity where WLS is concerned and, with the snoring, it sounds like you've got it. Sleep apnea can also be a killer, so getting diagnosed and getting a CPAP could save your life.

I wanted to second what Gwen said. Chances are VERY high that you do, indeed, have sleep apnea.

Sounds like that DX may save your life in two ways: first, getting a CPAP now can seriously impact your health and improve your waking quality of life. Additionally, it will make any surgery you may have safer. Secondly, it may be your co-morbidity ticket for WLS considering you have a borderline BMI of 39/40.

There's no way around it -- get your insurance requirements in writing -- and don't give up if you get a moron customer service rep on your first go.