BIG PROBLEM!!!!

Today I went to my doctor in eggharbor and they told me I was 38.5 body fat I needed to be 40 % ...I sat and cried for an hour because I thought I can really have this done..does anyone know if I can have it done with 38% body fat? This is terible....I need this done I am 230 and need this done desperatly..can anyone help to give me a doctor in new jersey. Thanks please help give me advice....Elaine west

Elaine, I don't know that I can help in any way, but I've never heard of a dr making this decision based on % of body fat. My dr/hospital was in PA...so unfortunately I can't suggest anyone here in the Garden State but hopefully someone else can help. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. Sandi

I you sure he that he said body fat or it was your bmi.My doctor is Dr. Bilof in west orange he is an excellent doctor.If you need any help my email is [email protected]. I have been through the whole process and had my surgery 11/6/06. Harris

OMG I meant to say BMI ...yes ..and I heard of Dr. Bilof..I will check it out..thank you so very much

Hello Elaine, I am 220 5 4 and was approved. I am told my insurance company is the best United Health Care...... I do suffer from artritus and have a history of bad. Most of my weight lie in my legs. BUT THERE are many other reasons they will give you the surgery blood pressure, sleep apnea, shortness of breath. Try another doctor. Do you sleep thru the night? Many people who are over weight have sleep apnea. snore, stop breathing for a short time in the night. Hope all is well, And don't give up!

Thank you so much did ...I tell you I love you..lol..you made my night I really am not going to give up...I am going to try another doctor everyone here is making me feel so much better. thanks a bunch!! laney ps; I will keep you all posted

Dear elaine, I just read your post. I'm going to "voorhees" for my surgery. That might be close for you. Dr. Adam goldstein, and there is another doctor that does "gastric bypass" forgot his name, but Dr. Adam goldstein only does "lap bands". Dr. Goldstein is part of the group called "regional surgical asso. There # is 856-596-7440 now they are part of a support system that you join, that gives you all the classes you need and support to make the life change. You sometimes ins. Co. Want the bmi over 40, but they do consider other things like what kind of support are you having to make the change and be a success. Do you have heart problems, arthritis, other problems that contrib/to high weight. The support group that works out of the "west jersy system, in voorhees, new jersey is called "new beginnings" they work with three doctors in the area, so can give you all the numbers you need, to contact depending on the surgery you are looking for. One of the nurse mgr. Is chris, at #856-325-5329 now, another one near you is "atlantic city medical" their # is 609-345-2332 the doctor that does both surgery's there is "dr. Onopchenko" very nice man. He is on an web site for them. Dr. Onopchenko number is #609-407-2332 I believe their are three doctors in the group. The web site is "www.Atlanticcaremedical.com or just type in atlantic care medical in your browser. Or type in "dr. Onopchenko, atlantic city, new jersey and his site should come up. He has the surgery being done, on the web site. Very interesting. I believe the person they are doing it on has only a bmi 37-38 but has other problems that were considered. You should watch the video. Also "lapband surgery cost less, and your ins. Co might be more favorable to that surgery as to "gystric bypass". These are all things you should check out. I was approved in 24 hours, through amerahealth, my bmi is 41 please put yourself on my friends list, and keep me posted. Take care good holiday to you "nobetterwomen" bridget k.

Hi Elaine! If the doctor you consulted with would not do the surgery because your BMI wasn't 40 it's probably because you have no other co-morbitities. I know many people who have had wls and they were perfectly healthy but had BMI's of 40 or over. Sometimes you could qualify for lapband if you didn't qualify for RNY. I had a BMI of just under 40 but sleep apnea and diabetes and I was approved immediately through BCBC. I am 5+ weeks out and doing fine! My starting weight was 223. My doctor was wonderful too but I really think you need to find out why you cannot have surgery with a BMI of 38.5.

hi elaine was it your primary care dr or your surgeon who told you that you had to have a BMI of 40?? MOST insurance companies will pay for the surgery if you have a BMI of 35 with other co-mobidities (diabetes, bad joints, sleep apnea.....) there are many primary dr's who do not approve of WLS for various reasons -- i can't tell you how many times (as i'm sure many of us have) i heard "diet and excersize" well a regular 'diet & excersize' never worked for me -- i never saw the results fast enough so i never stuck with it -- Phen/fen worked for me, until they took it off the market -- fast results i started this journey at 248 lbs -- when i had the surgery a year later i was 228 -- and my primary dr sent a wonderful letter to my surgeon detailing why i would benefit from this surgery which was passed along to my insurance company (Aetna) -- you are going to be your best own advocate for this surgery -- best of luck to you i also had my surgery done over in philly -- Roberta

thanks it was the nurese at Dr O's in atlantic care in egg harbor..it was my first consult and they said I had to have sleep apnea or high bloood pressureIt seems to be right after I was weight I weighted 222 and I am 5'31/2 she was like well do you have heart deasese , high blood pressure and sleep apnea? I siad I wasnt aure and she said well I am sorry but you have to have once of the above and have a bmi of 40..( ahhh) I didnt even see the doctor...I wanted to scream!!!...also I have a family history of heart deases and diabetis...its such a disapointment but I am not giving up. I Just want it done so bad. how much weight did you loose all together and did you hsve the lapband? I have oxford insurance and I will hve my doctor write a letter to them definatly. I'll keep you posted I am going to bed I havr the worst cramps you can imagine.I always suffered with a bad (period) too..lol...well talk soon ..take care laney ps: thanks for the info too...Now I am so scared I am gona be turned away...wish me luck!!!