Question:
I am new here

I am just curious what is all of this "lightweight" stuff? I am 5'6 and 291 lbs My BMI is 47.5. I have battled with weight since I was 12 now 23. I have been into see Dr. G and he is great. I am trying to see what my chances are with an Aetna open access getting approved? I also may have sleep apnea and acid reflux...going in for testing. Please let me know if you have any nice answers. I am not trying to get criticized here.    — bridgadean (posted on July 18, 2007)

July 18, 2007
Bridgette, You go girl -- we are the same height -- I was about 5 pounds lighter date of surgery and had lost 20 pounds and gained 10 back the year leading to the surgery. I'm 5 months out and in weight I've lost a first grader. You are on your way and trust me -- you will be very pleased. I hope your surgeon performs the surgery by us of lap -- I had lap RNY and had very little to no pain. What I thought was pain turned out to be gas. Once you have the surgery the sleep apnea and acid reflux will go away. Don't worry about what other people lost in a certain amount of time -- remember these three words "RESULTS MAY VARY." Since you are headed in that direction may I suggest you start doing a couple of things now so when you have to do them after surgery it want be so hard. (1) Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before and after each meal and don't drink during; (2) If you're not doing so already -- start walking -- get your cardio up; (3) STAY POSITIVE! Don't get bummed out of people close to you don't agree with your decision -- and oh -- it's not the easy way out but the surgery certainly helps. So now 5 months later -- I've lost a 1st grader; dropped almost 10 pant sizes --depending on style and material and 6 bra sizes. Cool -- and exercising every day. My current goal is to get to 200 lbs by my birthday in September.
   — the7thdean

July 18, 2007
Hi, Lightweight is usually a BMI 0f 40 or less and lessthan 100lg to lose.. Trosha
   — Trishalla

July 18, 2007
Just wanted to tell you good luck with everything, if you can get approved and everything goes smoothly with getting scheduled then you will not have one regret with your decision. I had just turned 23 four days before my surgery. I am 5'4.5" and was 329lbs. I had my 2 year blood work drawn today and have lost about 180 lbs. I am extremely happy that this surgery has given me a new lease on life. If you ever have any questions or want someone to chat with just let me know!
   — *Malena* M.

July 18, 2007
Hi, I can't imagine anyone in here critsixzing you or anyone else. We are all here in the same boat. I believe someone explained it correctly. Less then 100 lbs to lose or a BMI of less the 40. I am a lightweight and my weight is just as problematic as yours. My BMI may be less, but my health is proably worse. Diabetes, HBP, Reflux, Sleep Apnea, Kidney deseae. So my dear it is all relative. I go in for surgery (Roux En Y ) on August 7th. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
   — bderuiter

July 18, 2007
Sorry people made you feel bad, alot of people have problem with weight. I to have always been overweight and made fun of, I am 43 and just started my lose I was 377 at 2 weeks pos-op i am 337. i had my surgery june 25th, do not let anyone get you down. good luck carman
   — carman

July 18, 2007
I have Aetna and I was approved after they received all of the doctor records requested. You can call Aetna and they will tell you exactly what is required to be approved. In my case, I needed to be on a supervised nutrionist program for 6 months, and provide dr. records showing my weight for the past 5 years. It also helped that the surgeon was on their "preferred provider" list. good luck to you!
   — Patricia R.

July 18, 2007
I wish you luck! I had my surgery 6months ago. I was 295lbs and my height is 5'5" the day of surgery. I was 26 when I had surgery. I now weigh 205lbs. Ive lost 90lbs in six months. I feel so much better. I actually started feeling better about a month after surgery. Alot of my health issues has resolve. Like others had say light weight is BMI 40 or under or you are less than 100lbs of your ideal weight. I hope everything goes well for you. Take care.
   — barfiep01

July 18, 2007
Hi Bridgette, welcome to the site. I am glad you are getting answers. I didn't understand your question, but it looks like other did. I hope you get the answers you are looking for. There is a lot of research and soul searching that goes into a big decision like this. I can see you are taking that seriously. You are very young at 23, and I hope that this is not just an insurance decision for you. It is a life change, no matter what surgery you choose or get approved for, you have to be ready for the mental changes to succeed. Surgery is just a tool, and obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. You will be in for the fight of your life in ways you can't imagine. It is worth it, but it is no easy ride by any means. Best to you and I wish you well. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

July 19, 2007
Hi, I'm Stephanie. I am 5'4" and 224 and considered lightweight also. I have never been criticised here, but most people do not believe i weigh enough to have the surgery. It is very individual. I know of people who weigh much more but have no other health problems, ie, co-morbidities. And i with a BMI of 37.8, have high B/P, hiatal hernia/reflux, and possible sleep apnea (suggested by some but not tested yet.) So it is as important for me to lose the excess weight for my health as those heavier to prevent future health problems. Good luck with your process, it can be lengthy, but i feel it will be well worth it in the end. God Bless!
   — slynn33

July 19, 2007
I am 5'4 and around 247. I too have had acid reflux - my old PCP put me on meds for it - and I have apnea and am on a c-pap. I haven't dealt with Aetna, I have BC/BS First Priority thru my husband's work and so far they have worked well with me, although I had to find a surgeon that was in the provider network. I can tell you that if you go in for testing for the sleep apnea expect LOTS of wires and monitors and they will set ya up with a c-pap that you'll more than likely be told to take with you the day of your surgery. Good luck!!
   — HeavenlyFaerie219

July 19, 2007
Thank you all very much for your responses. I understand this is a very important choice and something I have been thinking about for the past few years. I was trying to get child birth out of the way before I went in and did something like this. Seeing as I am 23 and my husband in 15 yrs older than I am...we would like to spend our old age together.lol. My husband had the band done 4 years ago this Nov. So I learned a lot through that. My insurance is asking for a 3 mo. non-surgical weightloss program done with the Dietician, nutritionist and the surgeon. He however is not in my "preferred provider" list. But I have open access so I believe there is no reason I should have a problem. Again thank you all for your responses!
   — bridgadean

July 20, 2007
My start BMI was 43 (today it's 30) and I wanted to lose 108lbs. - not quite the "lightweight" exact criteria, but close. I never had anyone critcize me, sorry you had. I am 5'8", my heaviest 286. I had acid issues - throat - esophogus - had them repaired with a clinical trial prior to surgery - would choke on anything and everything. Almost choked to death more than once. I have had sleep apnea on and off. I am 35. I am a few lbs. from my goal weight. I have battled with my weight my entire life - been tortured and tormented and teased, not fun. Do it for you - for the new and improved you. It was the best thing I ever did.
   — jammerz

July 21, 2007
My understanding was that "lightweight" was a BMI of 35-39.9; Middleweight was 40-49.9, and heavyweight was a BMI of 50 or greater. If your BMI is below 40 you need co-morbid conditions for easier pre-approval from insurance companies. If your BMI is 40 or higher, you may not need co-morbidities, but it is still a good idea to list them when applying for pre-approval. Best Wishes to you!
   — MAG

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