Question:
bmi 37.1...wha surgery would be best

i am scheduled for first appt. with surgeon in a few weeks. i don't have any idea what questions to ask. I am 48 years old 5'5" wgt 225 (BMI 37.1). I suffer from apnea, and have had a knee replacement because of arthritis. i am hoping for insurnace approval, but am so miserable that i will pay for surgery myself if i have to. any adivce about what option i should persue, or what i should ask my surgeon? thanks    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on April 4, 2006)

April 3, 2006
You are making a good start asking here, but if you haven't yet, start your research. Read up on the different surgical options (that info can be found here or elsewhere on the Net) read profiles, and keep a list of questions as they occur to you. Also, look inside yourself and be honest about your motivation, your eating habits, your willingness to change and to what degree. The answers to these questions are of supreme importance to which procedure is right for you, and the insight you will gain is critical to your success. Best of luck to you!
   — Jeanie

April 4, 2006
One of my questions I asked my Dr. was how many people had he had die. He answered me with 4 in 35 years. He told me just how each one of them died. I could tell that he had much heart ache over each one of them. I guess if you ask that question you will get a feel of how the Dr. really feels. By the way, I am glad that I asked and knew about the problems they had, because one of the women had swollen legs and didnt tell him about it. She died from a blood clot in her leg. That made me very aware and I have been watching for the symptoms. Guess what, my legs have swollen up... I would have never know to say something if I wouldnt have asked the dreaded question. I hope this helps.
   — Jennifer Nice

April 5, 2006
Hello - First I think your BMI has to be over 41 in order for insurance to approve it- your surgeon will tell you more about this. Also- DO NOT think its a walk in the park- just because you want to pay for it- what the surgeon would charge you and what they would accept from an insurance company are two totally different things! it can cost you over $100,000, so think about that. Do whatever it takes to get yourself to the minimum requirements - find a surgeon and make an appt and attend one of his lectures. Go to the state board here at OH- for your state- and ask about surgeons in your area- who is recommended- and you will receive a ton of responses- then look into each of those surgeons..I didnt go with my first choice- I settled with my third- who in my opinion- happens to be the best- with 10yrs exp in buypass and laprascopic procedures..so do your homework and find out as much as your can here- and then when you meet with your surgeon- ask him a ton of questions- we've all done this- and you will know at that point- what to expect and what your next step is. good luck and have a safe journey - Donna
   — nybabe

April 5, 2006
Don't let people scare you away with the BMI non-sense. Yes, your BMI is lower -- but you have co-morbids and your weight will only continue to increase and continue to do damage to an already hurting body! Most doctors will tell you with a BMI over 35 and co-morbids, you qualify - and you do! If you ask your surgeon what surgery he recommends for you -- he'll recommend whatever surgery he actually sells! (No big surprise.) Keep doing your own research, find out as much as you can about the different surgeries and the longer term benefits/negatives and then you'll better know what you want/need. As for self-pay -- it's absolutely an option! As I write this to you, I am sitting in a hotel in Brazil, ready to have my surgery (duodenal switch) tomorrow morning with Dr Marchesini (one of the top ten surgeons in the world) at one of the best hospitals in the world (#3 for lowest rate of secondary infections)... and I couldn't have more peace about this decision! Oh and by the way, my BMI is 'only' 39. *Smile*
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 5, 2006
FIRST of all! What a LOAD about your BMI having to be 41! It totally depends on your Dr. There is TONS of info on each surgery here. Take your time and with the help of your Dr., do what is right for you! LOTS OF LUCK! Rebecca
   — RebeccaH