Question:
I told my best friend and they told me I was not FAT enough for RNY
Here are the facts, I am being evaluated right now and RNY over Lap band was what my nurse clinician said. I am 5 feet tall and 199lbs. That is a BMI of 39. Multiple health issues and still I am now worried about I am not Obesity enough...I can't take anymore weight on this body ... any Help I am NOT FAT enough for RNY!!!!! — MJ L. (posted on September 22, 2007)
September 22, 2007
And your best friend is an expert and/or a doctor in this field?
— fishnrockport
September 22, 2007
When I had my lap band in Feb 2007 I was 5ft 228 and no medical issues what
so ever I just made the requirements for surgery. Good luck.....Best
friends always think were skinny wink wink!!
— MOMTOTWOSONS
September 22, 2007
My best frioend said I was insane and needed mental help for even thinking
of WLS. The RNY is excellent if your diabetic / pre diabetic or it runs in
your family. My best buddy ? WLS was over 6 years ago today he is my
biggest supporter and later recommended his MO daughter have surgery
— bob-haller
September 22, 2007
You may not be. Most surgeon's require a BMI of at least 40, but then
again yr health issues might just be the "xtra" to get you the
surgery. All you can do is try and if you have a good surgeon they can
show/help you appeal if denied. Good luck and God bless!
— crystalsno
September 22, 2007
You are considered a "lightweight"...I was too and most people
were shocked to hear that I had RNY. Tell as few people as possible and if
you do tell people and they question you say, well I was approved so I
guess I qualified. I was just under 40 BMI but I had sleep apnea and
diabetes so I had no trouble getting approved. Go to the lightweights
board, there are many people there who are just like you and you will feel
much better there!
— Sheri A.
September 22, 2007
The first thing I would do is question why your friend is so
discouraging... is it because she is overweight and therefore jealous or
frightened that you might "leave her behind" ? On the other
issue, my BMI was only 37.9 and I have ben approved and just waiting on the
kidney clearance to go through for my surgery date. Your co-morbidities
will probably do it for you. Talk honestly with your surgeon of choice, or
someone from his office and tell them of your concerns and see what they
have to say. You are probably worried for nothing. I'll keep my fingers
crossed and hope for the best for you. Let us know what happens.
Best wishes,
Lynn W.
— Lynn W.
September 22, 2007
I too was told by many of my co-workers that they did not think I was
"that heavy". You KNOW when you are and your health
history/issues will also let you KNOW! If you are approved by insurance
then go for it! But remember, the surgery is only a "tool" and
you will still have alot of work to do!
— Toni Todd
September 22, 2007
I had my surgery 3/27 --- I'm 5'2" -- started at 227 -- surgery date
was 194 --- today 134. My BMI was 40 and I had high blood pressure --- no
problems getting a referral from my doctor. Maybe change doctors -- and
really explain all the ways you've tried to lose weight in the past. This
is the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I feel great ---and in the
home stretch with weight loss. -- Most of my family & friends didn't
think I was big enough for the surgery either -- but my doctor thought
otherwise. Hang in there!!!
Julie
— jewels3952
September 22, 2007
I agree with everybody else. I made the huge mistake of telling one of my
very dear (also obese) friends that I was "considering" the
surgery. Her one and only comments was "people die from that".
Follow your own instincts. You'll be glad you did. I am waiting for my
insurance approval and am glad that I have continued forward in my quest
for WLS. Best of luck to you.
— dthomp
September 22, 2007
My surgeon Dr Philip Schauer now president of the ASBS has long term study
results, remaining MO puts you at way more risk of dying than the death
risk from surgery. Deaths from diabetes drop by over 90%. On your BMI most
strain . stretc to stand up tall, check your BMI with just one inch less
in height, it changes the BMI immensely, and as we all age its normal to
shrink, the spine compresses. its normal. Often anti WLS comments are more
about the person making the comment than you. My step mom was a real PIA
about weight watchers etc every time I would see her. Finally had WLS did
well and she wasnt happy about that either:(
— bob-haller
September 22, 2007
I am 5'5" and 233 when I last weighed my BMI Was 38.6 I was borderline
diabetic , borderline high blood pressure ,high cholesteral . No sleep
apnea , anyway I was approved for surgery due to my conditions being
medically necessary . I was going for lapband but changed my mind . To Rny
Cause it is more effective on diabetes . And I do have problems with
sweets. So I did a lot of research and thinking first . I am having surgery
10/02 I am on liquid diet till then . Yes it's tuff ,
but I can't wait either. I hope everything works out for you. And I am
pretty sure if you have the multiple health issues you would be approved .
I have heard from people the same thing as you . You don't look that big !
Why would you do that ? ah.. Just exercise thats all you need . I know my
Dr. required a BMI of 35> with co-morbid conditions Or a BMI Of 40 and
up with no co-morbitites. I felt like you I couldn't go on like this .
Thats how I got here. I decided to do something.
Good luck to you !!! do your homework and talk to other people who have had
diffrent surgeries.
Sabrina
— sabrina S.
September 22, 2007
Thank you ALL! I will do my research and my doctor knews best. I really
can't keep going without changing my health issues and RNY if that is part
of the change and I do my part I see a long future of health best I can
ever want and will work for it. Thank you All again for you input ...
awesome !!!
— MJ L.
September 23, 2007
I work for a weight Loss Surgeon. I know for a fact that the rule for
insurance is a BMI of 40+, or it can be less with other co-morbitities.
Such as hypertention, diabetis, joint pain, Female problems, depression.
There are many things that enter into whether you are heavy enough.
Sometimes your best friend is uneducated about the whole issue and believes
that she has your best interest at heart. It is your job to educate her
so that she understands why you are looking into it. Good Luck - Judy
Harris
— jk_harris
September 23, 2007
well from what i've read on different bariatric surgery sites, to be a
candidate you either have to have a bmi of 40 or greater or at least 35
with health problems so you should have no problems getting it....good luck
— lizzie42
September 23, 2007
My medical group says you qualify for WLS (RNY or LAP) if you have a BMI
from 35-40 w/ health issues and a BMI over 40 w/o any issues. I was
5'8" at 286 at my heaviest with a BMI of almost 44. I carried my
weight well and porpotionatately - many people suggested that I didn't need
to have surgery, too. But what do they know? Do they live with your body
day in and day out? NOPE. If you feel that this is your step to a health
new you - then forget about what people say and do what's good for you and
the future health of your body and soul. U don't have to justify anything
to anyone. Do what you need to do for you and enjoy the adventure. good
luck
— jammerz
September 23, 2007
Have no fear. I am five foot one inch and I was scared to death that I
would not qualify. When you go in for your pre-op work or initial consult,
your BMI will be calculated and typically the nurse/doctor's office will
incorporate your health issues. This should increase your BMI as your
health risk is higher. I would ask these questions. When I calculated my
BMI online it was at 41...when the Nurse calculated it ... It was 49. Take
a deep breath and don't be concerned. You know what your health is
like...listen to friends and kindly smile and thank them for their
commments...than YOU GO AND SO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR HEALTH. I'm seven
weeks post-op and dropping weight. I feel so much better! Best luck to
you! P.S. My friends told me that I was not big enough for the surgery
likewise...they are wrong! The Doctor and his staff were glad to see
someone come in at the beginning of what could be severe obesity. It takes
guts and courage to do the right thing for your health and longevity.
— dcherry
September 23, 2007
I think it is just in your mind that at 5' and 199 you are not heavy eough
for RNY. I was less then 100 pounds over weight maybe 75 or 80 and because
of my health it was not an issue at all. My diabetes, though not completely
gone is a whole lot better and I am off 2 shots a day and just take one
oral med. I am also off one of my BP meds.............go see that surgeon,
it is no longer necessary to be 100 pounds over. If it is put quarters in
your pocket or weights, just do it. It wasn't necessary for me. My
insurance also paid 100%. Yes, I am a light weight, buty it is all relative
to your health. Good luck. No one has ever been anything but supportive.
We are all in the same boat.
— bderuiter
September 23, 2007
I have found that most people friends or not think that in order to qualify
for surgery that you need to be hundreds of pounds overweight. Lets face
it, that is what the press and news and even tv shows lead people to
believe. I was 5ft. 7in and 271 lbs and everyone told me that I should not
have qualified for surgery. I think that they also want to protect us and
they think that we can not see ourselves. Best of luck
— Paula K.
September 24, 2007
I went through the same thing, my family was angry and did not think I
"needed the surgery". I am 5' 4" and weight 236, currently
135. I had the surgery November of 2005 so I'm coming up on my 2 year
anniversary and feel great. Only you and your doctor know if this surgery
is for you. Good luck.
— [Deactivated Member]
September 25, 2007
I am currently at a BMI of 40 according to my doctor I could lose weight
and they would still do the surgery as long as I was at a BMI of 35. Ask a
doctor not your friends. Most of my friends tell me I don't look big
enough either.
— Melanie C.
September 25, 2007
Hi my name is Lisa ans before i had the surgery i was 550 and i had surgery
on june 21 and i weight right now 441 i am not trying to be a mean person
but that is not a question to ask everyone. I feel very taking back about
your question there are alot of people struggling with obesity and for
those people whos life is on there hands and if they do not have wls they
will die...i know because i was one of those people so to answer that
question to the best of my knowledge i am sorry to hear that u feel that
way about yourself and u should really talk to ure doc about that...
— LisaPellegrino2006
Click Here to Return