Question:
I am 208 5'4 I have a BMI of 34. Is there anything out there that can help?

I have notice that I am at the weight for obesty but I am under the weight for the surgerys that I have found. Is there anything out there?? I have PCOS also. I sure hope I don't have to gain another 20lbs to get help. Any info would be wonderful, Thank you, Donna    — Donna R. (posted on August 4, 2001)

August 4, 2001
Hi Donna~ What is your "goal" weight? What have you tried so far? I am personally a fan of Weight Watchers. There are people there to support you.. you eat "your own" food.. I find that weekly weigh ins help keep you motivated. Unfortunately I feel that I am beyond this, being 170 pounds overweight, but may help someone in your shoes. Jen
   — Jen S.

August 4, 2001
Co-morbidities will help bolster your claim for surgery. Get your medical records for the last 5 years, especially any documenting high blood pressure, diabetes, shortness of breath, depression, urinary stress incontinence (you leak when you cough or sneeze), back pain, hygiene problems, gastroesophageal reflux (your food backs up on you). Also document any family history of cancer, heart disease, etc. Obesity puts you at risk for these and a family history of it helps. Now here's the ethically questionable part. I know someone who had this surgery a year ago and has lost all her extra weight. She'd tried for years and lost the same 95 lbs over and over. But she was 10 lbs under what it takes to have a BMI of 40, and most insurance companies will reject your claim unless it is 40, although some will okay it with the comorbidities. So she somehow "lost" an inch of her height (slouched), ate like there was no tomorrow before her appointment, including a hugh breakfast just before the appointment where they weigh and measure you. I asked, "Did it work?" She said, "I was still 5 lbs under, so I bought 10 rolls of quarters at the bank. I had 6 stuffed in my bra and two each in my right and left pants pockets. That was enough to do it". I asked her, "Don't you feel a little dishonest about cheating?" She said, "Hell no! I knew this was my only chance to lose the weight and it worked! I never felt better and I'd do it all again." I am not condoning dishonesty. Maybe you have enough co-morbidities and medical records documenting them that will be enough to convince the insurance company that you are an acceptable candidate. I hope so! Best of luck.
   — [Anonymous]

August 4, 2001
Donna, i agree with the previous poster. go get medical help to lose weight. you are very close, although, it may seem to you to be quite far. i've got over 200 pounds to lose!! with pcos, have you asked your re or ob/gyn to test you for IR? what about taking glucophage? i know alot of women with pcos who take it and it helps them lose weight. most women with pcos are also insulin resistant (IR). that could be your answer. besides, getting the medical help now from a doctor, if by any unfortunate reason, you should happen to gain weight later and qualify for weight loss surgery, you'll have the necessary medical documentation to give your insurance. i hope you won't need it tho'. i hope you find your help by a diet that works for you. i know how hard the struggle is. keep in there and fight. God bless!!
   — Charlotte J.

August 4, 2001
Hey 50 or 150 its still tough to loose. The Lap Bnd is supposed to be getting appproval for marginal cases like yours. I would consult a surgeon and see what they think.
   — bob-haller

August 4, 2001
I will give you an idea that I did -- I worn heavy clothing and heavy shoes when I went to see my surgeon the first time. I put that I am 1 inch shorter on my paper work. No one actually measured me, only weighed me. And the scales at the doctors office are always higher than home scales!!! It worked for me, I hope this can help you --
   — CohenHeart

August 4, 2001
My BMI was 39 when my PCP advised me to consider surgery. By the time I went for my appointment I had gained *JUST* enough to get it up to 41...... I figured what was another 5 lbs once I began to loose. And since I am at 135 now and starting to wear a 6/8, I guess it was a good decision! Stacy
   — stacy T.