Question:
Is WLS only for the morbidly obease?

I have a BMI of 36 and I am type 1 diabetic. Should I even consider looking into this?    — Shandora76 (posted on March 18, 2007)

March 18, 2007
The short answer is yes. The long answer is - check with your medical group and your insurance company - every one is different. My medical group had it's own eligiblity requirements as did my insurance company and they can change at any point. My medical group/insurance/surgeon's eligiblity requirement was: BMI 34-40 with two co-mordities (diabetes, sleep apeana, etc.) BMI over 40 with no co-mordities (but of course you can have them). Good luck. Do the research... :) You might be surprised.
   — jammerz

March 18, 2007
Ellyn, You want know until you try.
   — the7thdean

March 18, 2007
My initial reaction? If you don't know and are looking to other people for approval, then no - you aren't ready. This surgery requires research, preparation and lifelong committment. If you aren't 100% convinced that this is the solution for you, then don't go through with it. However, depending on the doctor and insurance company, I would say you qualify (my ins. co. at the time, Aetna, and my doctor would approve you). This surgery has saved my life. I was pre-diabetic taking Metformin pre-op and all my labs are normal post-op. In the end, only you can decide. But what can you lose by at least looking into it and talking to a doctor? Good luck. Blessings, Sarah in VA
   — platypus

March 18, 2007
Absolutely! I was 65, BMI of 46, Type 1 diabetic, Stint in Heart Artery, High blood pressure, and I did. My surgery was on November 7, 2006. Have reduced my diabetic medicine in half, blood pressure medicine in half. Lost 63 lbs. in 41/2 mo. It was all worth it.
   — Virginia M.

March 19, 2007
Aloha! Getting to an ideal body weight is never a bad idea. Your BMI should be between 19 and 28. Consider lapband. Its less invasive, but equally effective (for me). Your diabetes won't go away, but Im quite sure it will improve, not to mention it might prevent or lower the risk of future problems from diabetes, such as high blood pressure.
   — gtali1954

March 19, 2007
Yes & no! I was barely a 36 bmi with high blood pressure, but my insurance covered it. For me I knew that I couldn't lose weight any other way. I ve been down that road many times. So if theres a chance you can do it on your own-go for it! that way you avoid all the risks of surgery and the aftermath. Good luck!
   — suzyins.d.