Question:
Can I have WLS at 5'1

Hi Im wondering if I can have the open RNY at 5'1" and 220lbs. My BMI is at 40 I have high blood pressure (but not on meds)my feet, knees and back hurt all the time. I have to pee all the time as well. I've had my first appointment with Dr. Udobi in KC and am going for my 2nd in Novemember. I have obesity in my family and lots of heart disease. I have tried every diet known to man but just put the weight back on. Im concerned that as I get older it will lead to more problems. Do you think the DR. will take into consideration my family history even though my co-morbidies are not as signifacinate as others at this point? Any and all experiences and thoughts would be helpful!!!!!!! Thanks Angi    — Angi S. (posted on September 8, 2003)

September 8, 2003
Hi, Angi! Fellow 5'1" -er here! I started looking into the surgery in January of this year, and weighed 214 at the time. My only co-morbidities were borderline high blood pressure (140/90) range and my knees were in bad shape. I also had a frequent urination problem which I took medication for. Although I hadn't had an "official" diagnosis that I had arthritis of the knees, I knew I did. I also had depression with I had been receiving medication for. I was really worried that none of this would be enough, but my doctor was great about it, and recommended me for it. When I went to her, I was equipped with the information I just told you above, plus pointed out to her that obesity was linked to breast cancer, which my mother has had. She didn't care about the breast cancer (the insurance company doesn't consider that in their approval process), but the high blood pressure and knees plus my history of weight loss (and gain) was enough to convince her to recommend me (I also went to the appt. with a list of how many times/methods i had lost weight - i even lost 67 lbs on my own once, only to regain it back!). The doctor should take your knees and family history for heart disease into consideration (and *may* even consider the urinary frequency problem, too, since the bladder does get compressed with all that weight), along with the fact that your BMI automatically qualifies you. If your doctor doesn't agree, i would see about switching to one who does. I was at the end of my rope with the weight loss/weight gain rollercoaster, sick of hating myself because i couldn't keep the weight off, and was prepared to either do battle with my doctor if she didn't approve, OR find a doctor who WOULD approve. Luckily, i didn't need to do either - I finally had my surgery on 7/7/03 (Open RNY), and have lost 37 lbs. in 9 weeks. I won't lie to you - the surgery and recovery were NOT a piece of cake (even for me), and i'm just starting to get my energy back, which I attribute to finally starting to exercise. I do miss food, but i'm coping well and my loss is really starting to pick up. I'm extremely glad i pursued this surgery, and would do it all over again. Good luck to you! P.S. - see my profile or more information! (227.6/190.6/133.0)
   — sweetmana

September 8, 2003
Angi - When I first started pursuing WLS I was 5'1 and 230 lbs. The only comorbid that I had was diabetes and asthma and they both went into remission immediately after I was discharged from the hospital. I am now 120 lbs and my height shrunk to 4'11. The only family history of obesity is my grandmother (father's side), but everyone else is slender. The only thing my insurance wanted was documentation of being 100+ lbs overweight for at least 5 years (nonconsecutive). I hope this helps.
   — trtorrey

September 8, 2003
I was 5'1" and 230 pounds. I had only high cholesterol and joint pain as comorbids. I had no dr supervised weight loss attempts. I was approved in 2 weeks by United Health Care PPO. I have since lost 100 pounds and gained an inch! :) It doesn't depend on your dr usually, but on your insurance. Most ins that cover WLS without a fight do so when you hit 100 pounds over your "normal" weight or at BMI of 40+. Then there are the others that need all sorts of documentation and hoop jumping before they'll approve. Your best bet would be to ask the insurance lady at the dr's office what their track record is with your insurance. That should give you some idea.
   — ctyst

September 8, 2003
HI there, Angi! Although I am 5'1", I started at 323 lbs., I even had a lot of the co-morbids that you have and then some. I didn't have any trouble with my PCP, Surgeon or even the insurance. It seems like you have enough co-morbids, especially with the famiy history. Hope it helps. Vi. Open RNY 9/23/02 down 150 lbs.
   — Vi F.

September 8, 2003
I was 5'2 and 248 pounds. I had NO co-morbidities of any kind. I was just a very healthy fat person. However, at the weight I was, I would have eventually developed problems. My insurance approved me immediately just based on my height/weight and BMI.
   — Patty H.

September 15, 2003
I'm 5'0" and weighed 205 the day of my surgery. I'm 10 months out, and my body finally stablized around 100lbs (we-ha!). My weight looks completely proportionate to my height and clothes fit so much better now (length wise). It's the best thing I've ever done.
   — jengrz

January 31, 2010
Hey Angi! I am 5'1" and I weighed 230 pounds at the time of my surgery...4 years ago. I now weigh 125 pounds and I am a size 4/6!!!!! It was the best decision I have ever made. I also did not have any major co-morbidies and I was approved. All that was required of me was that I be put on a documented diet with a nutritionist for 6 months. This was also pretty easy to do since my surgeon's office had one on staff. I hope everything works out for you! Good luck!
   — lorimrose