Question:
I need to lose abot 125 pounds and my BMI is 42, but I'm only 17!

I'm 17 and really want to have this surgery! I'm tried of going to dances and my knees almost collapsing underneath me. My mom almost always has to crack my back before I go to bed because I can't sleep well because my back is killing me so much. I hate my life being so overweight. Now I must admit, I'm 5' 9" and weigh about 285 lbs. so I can carry that amount of weight considerablly better that someone who was shorter. My real question is, will a doctor judge me because I don't look as overweight as someone who is shorter than me? My insurance is Kaiser, and all I've heard about them is how long they take. What ways can I get them to actually look at me as a candidate? Please help!    — Ashley T. (posted on November 16, 2002)

November 16, 2002
Ashley, I think that as long as you have a BMI over 40 and are 100 pounds over weight, you are in good shape for the surgery. If your BMI is over 40, I so not see what your height would have to do with it! If this is what you want and feel you need to do schedule an appointment and go see someone. What could that hurt? Good luck, and I hope that you get the answers that you want! Healthier and Happier days to come!
   — poohdotsmom2

November 16, 2002
I assume you are covered under one of your parents insurance. Do they support this for you? If so, find out what criteria your insurance needs you to meet for approval. Research the WLS surgeons and centers you are interested in going to. They also may have certain requirements. Many insurances, as well as surgeons, may require a physician supervised or other monintored diet attempt. If you haven't already done this, you may want to start this. Best of luck in your journey.
   — Pat B.

November 16, 2002
On the day that I had surgery at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, another young woman, who was 17, was also having surgery. She was from Palo Alto I think. Her father was with her and very supportive. WE were all very proud of her for taking this step. She was very informed and very committed. I think if you do your research, have the support of your family, and can work with your insurance, then you are ready. Be prepared for big changes in your life- most of which are positive, but some that can be difficult. Good luck to you.
   — cmlattig

November 16, 2002
I'd say go for it! I'm 22 and I'll be having surgery in a month. If you have problems with insurance because of your age, how long until you turn 18? It may take that long just to get in to see a surgeon. Good Luck!
   — Toni C.

November 16, 2002
Hi there....we share the exact same stats (5'9- 285)!Trust me, we don't carry the weight as well as we might think! LOL I did not become obese until I began to have kids but the last few years it has become clear that I needed to do something drastic or my weight would continue to climb. It I was your age with your stats and had support from my family, I'd have wls in a heart beat. If not, you'll probably do it in a few years anyway, most likely weighing more (Sorry to say that... but once we reach this BMI level, it seems the only way we go is UP!) A BMI above 40 means you are morbidly obese- that is what the insurance co. is looking at. How we carry the weight is irrelevant. So, I say GO FOR IT!! Good luck to you....Charree (11 days post op- down 16 lbs) :)
   — Charree K.

November 17, 2002
Your BMI should qualify you, regardless of your height but I suspect you'll have a problem with insurance because you're so young and haven't developed co-morbidities yet. This is a serious operation with possible nutritional deficiency issues down the road, so I can see why they might be hesitant to perform it on someone who's still developing. It would probably be a bit easier once you were 18, but you may still have to go through an appeal process and have lots of documentation for your joint and back pain. Good luck.
   — sandsonik

November 17, 2002
Most insurance co's want you to have a BMI of 40 and 18+ yrs to be approved for the surgery without co morbs. My suggestion is that you make copies of results of any weight programs you have been on and have your primary doctor go toe to toe with your insurance company.
   — Becky S.