Question:
Chances with BMI of 36 and some co-morbids?

I have a BMI of 36, have been dieting and not doing a good job of it for 30 plus years. Recently, I have been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high colesterol. I have had asthma for about 20 years now, and am on medications for all the above. I am concerned that the relatively low (36) BMI is going to be a problem for me with this. Any encouragement? I will be talking with my PCP about this possibility in the next few weeks. Thanks (p.s. being a male as part of this issue adds to my insecurity about beign taken seriously.) Joe    — Joe M. (posted on March 7, 2001)

March 6, 2001
Joe - Most insurances that allow this procedure require a BMI of 40 OR BMI of 35 with co-morbs. And from the co-morbs you have listed, you sound like an ideal candidate. Don't let being a guy cause insecurities...no matter what your PCP says or your insurance...preserverance (sp?) is a definite must. Did you go to the insurers portion of this website to see what was the normal response of your insurance company? It helped encourage me a lot...I have Aetna...some had probs but the majority did not...Aetna approved me via the phone. Good Luck and remember, you have a site full of friends and comrades here!! Luv Karan
   — chance2lv