Question:
I am 6" and weigh 250lbs., I have TypeII Diabetes, hypertension, high colesterol and

Although BMI says I must be at least 35, the BMI calculator on this sight says I wouldqualify at 33.9. Is this true?    — maxieboy (posted on May 6, 2010)

May 6, 2010
Paul: Your answer would be more than likely "yes" in order for your insurance company to approve WLS b/c you have a number of comorbidities in addition to being obese. The risk factors alone are telling and this is what your insurance plan will look at. I'm certainly NOT an insurance expert, but I know my precertification was passed through in a heartbeat as I have/had sleep apnea, hypertension, overall fatigue and was also obese at 293# and 5'8" tall. I am now 4+ mos. postop RNY, down 70+# and feel like a piece of my life has been returned to me each and every day. The benefits are huge and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Best of luck to you :-).
   — momeego

May 6, 2010
I had to have a BMI of 40, however if you have any of the mentioned medical problems your BMI can be lower. Good luck!
   — FSUMom

May 7, 2010
I hope you don't mind a little advice rather than answer your question directly. I don't know how much research you've done on WLS...and I realize your health is what you are worried about...However, men in general tend to lose massive amounts of fat and muscle weight with the GB surgeries. You are barely overweight. After surgery, you will have to change your eating/exercise habits...With only a small amount to lose, you really should try eating healthy and working out as this is EXACTLY what you will need to do longterm/forever, after they cut into your body anyway! Surgery has risks that if I were you, I would not be willing to take, given the small amount you need to lose and the small permanent changes you need to make in diet. Please consider looking at the dietary changes we're supposed to make (Look at recipe sites for WLS, or sit in a book store and read some of the WLS books and get some ideas on good choices of foods to eat)...Low simple carbs, low fat, high protein and fiber... Low sugar and gylcemic foods. Join a gym or add activity that moves your body! If you are still determined to have surgery...please consider that with RNY GB and DS, you will forever be poppng vitamins and have nutritional risks and you'll lose about 100 lbs or MORE! 6 Foot and 150 pounds??? OR WORSE...less! ...With lapband you might lose 50-100 depending how good you do on adopting the lifestyle changes (the ones I think you should try on your own without surgery. It's just a suggestion...something to really think about, because with diet and exercise you can reverse the co-mobidities you have right now...with no cutting! Just my humble opinion!
   — .Anita R.

May 7, 2010
It all depends on your insurance company! United Health Care (at least the plan my employer bought) requires a BMI of 40 with co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc). If you have a BMI of 50, you are a candidate with NO co-morbidities. You also have to be at least 100 pounds overweight per my insurance guidelines. Of course there are other factors for approval (nutritional counseling, psychiatric counseling, etc). The best thing for you to do is to call your insurance company. Talk to them. Find out what their guidelines are for eligibility. They are all very different ranging from State run insurance (Medicaid), feds (Medicare) to private insurance companies. I've worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years. I am a Medicaid Case Manager. So, best option for you is to call your insurance company! Good luck!
   — Pamela W.

May 7, 2010
I agree with anita, a great book is "weight loss surgery for dummies" get your hands on everything you can... you tube is great. I actually followed one person thru every week. However.... if you decide to go through with it you will be a new person. I had all the issues you have ... diabetic high bp cholesterol depression i had my surgery aug 21 last year, I am down 114 pounds, I work out at the gym. my bp was 117 over 64 this morning. I am off all meds, A1C is under 6.0 (was 12.5 at my worst) I can fit in theatre chairs and get up on doctors tables without help!!!!!! I dont sleep a zillion hours anymore, I have energy. i would do it again in a heart beat. Not to mention... did you know you can get liver disease from fatty liver? Yea... well they did a biopsy of my liver during surgery (that is protocol) I have NASH... which is Non-alcoholic liver disease.... do something before things get worse. I did a ton of research before i made the final decision... made an educated decision. and even if people tell you ... you can lose it if you want... it doesnt work that way. you have to know in your heart that its the thing you need. if you are a spiritual person... pray about it... I did and I believe God has been with me through it all. you can email me if you would like to talk more.
   — MarthaJ0110

May 7, 2010
It ALL depends on your Insurance. Ask your doctors office what requirements for your ins. is. I had Blue Cross - Federal. BMI 40, or 35 if have co-morbids. I think it is pretty cut and dried, all depending on YOUR ins. Good luck.
   — Jane W.

May 7, 2010
I agree with Anita also on this one. Some people don't realize that GB surgery isn't a "quick fix." You must change your eating habits for a lifetime. The further out you become from surgery, the more you can eat, the varity of foods lenghten, and if you don't use self-discipline you will return to your "old" obese self quickly. So regardless of how you get your extra weight off, your eating habits must change for it to be successful. Has your Type II Diabetes been under control with a diet ? If yes, then I would say diet and exercise. If a diet doesn't affect your A1C, then this surgery will definitely help the diabetes.
   — happypeach