New here* Low BMI but I need to lose before surgery?

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum but have lurked for a while. I saw the weight loss doc last week and started some of my labs yesterday. I also met the NUT. She has me doing a food journal (which I expected) but also on a diet plan. I am low BMI- like 36. So I'm wondering if I follow the NUT plan and lose weight, isn't that going to disqualify me from having the surgery? (Oh- I am looking between having the sleeve or RNY but leaning towards RNY because of high blood sugar and family history of diabetes on both sides.)

Michelle

Hello Michelle, Welcome!  I had a BMI of just over 33 when I had my surgery (VSG) and had done very well on my pre-op diet.  I also had diabetes but went for the VSG because of it being a less invasive surgery and it was recommended to me by my doctor because of my history/size etc.  I'd say listen to the professionals that are caring for you, especially since they know you, your test results, history, etc.  I wish you the best!

That would be a good question to ask your Doctor, but "most" cases your initial weigh-in weight is what is used to qualify you for surgery. 

Congratulations and welcome! 

Welcome!!!

Agree with Jody, most insurance uses your first weigh in weight but I would check to be sure.  Your Dr office should know all the requirements of each company by heart.  With a lower BMI, you may need another co-morbidity but they can tell you all that and head you in the right direction. 

I wanted a sleeve but my insurance would only pay for a band or RNY so it was an easy decision to RNY.  I have been so happy and have had no issues with it.  Read, ask questions and research and make the best decision you can.  It will be for the rest of your life.

Looking forward to following your journey!!!

Welcome to our LW Board!!!

This is just an opinion statement, but I would doubt that the Surgeon and his office would know the requirements for your insurance to pay for the WLS, unless they are a very big & common insurance.  Because there are just so many insurance companies.  I definetly think both the surgeon & the nut have your best interest at heart, but they probably have a std set of requiremnets based on your wt, BMI, comorbidities, etc.  and once they have all of your info, they then submit it to the insurance company , and let you know if you are approved.

My recommendation would be to call the insurance co & find out what they require, at the very least more knowledge can't hurt.  Good luck! 

actually,the WLS insurance staff DOE pretty much. Know ,at a glance at your insurance card,whether the employer has bought coverage for the employee,which is the first criteria for whether a person will be covered by insurance or not. 

They can tell ,as they told me,just from the coding on the card,like mine,that weight loss surgery is covered or excluded. 

From dealing with these same insurance companies,all day,every day,they pretty. Much have it down pat.

Thanks everyone! I will check insurance. There is going to be a meeting with people considering the surgery and others who have had it coming up. I hope to get more info then. I had all my labs done yesterday. The doc wants me to do a sleep study also and endoscopy. I had an endo already when I had gallstones (and removal of gallbladder) but I guess I'm doing it again. My family has a history of obesity. My aunt had the surgery years ago and mom is afraid of doctors but is reconsidering since being diagnosed with diabetes last year and having complications. I have friends, though, who feel like I don't need it since my BMI isn't over 140. I can't make them understand that I have tried everything and I already know how this is going to turn out if I don't get this under control. I have found a lot of people have their set mindset that the surgery is only for the people on TV who are 1000 lbs and some people are so judgmental. 

Michelle, sometimes as I have found it is a game we have to play. I had to do 6 appointments with a NUT at the doctors office prior to being submitted for my insurance to approve. I to was afraid I would lose to much and not qualify. It was a stressful game. Don't loss to much but don't gain. Then on month 4 if I can lose 10 lbs by month 6 I would only have to do 1 week of pre-op then on month 5 I had lost 7 lbs and then was told oh we got to becareful or we may not get you qualified for surgery...so don't gain no weight but don't lose more than 2 lbs this next time. I lost exactly 2 lbs. If I was you I would work on journaling, start then they will have you start working on exercise like walking Bu****ch your scale and don't let your weight really go down much..just don't gain. If you have 2 co-morbs you should do ok.

Unless you are already approved in writting for WLS - i would not try to get below BMI of 35...eat healthy, learn about it but wait..