Question:
My BMI is 51.4 right now. Is it harder on a higher BMI person then a smaller person?

   — Melissa S. (posted on January 6, 2003)

January 6, 2003
I'm not sure what you are asking. If you mean if the surgery would be harder on you that would depend. I had a 60.1 BMI with only a few problems. GERD, anemia, and arthritis. I think it would depend on what health problems you are having, and you would have to discuss that with your surgeon. If you mean is it harder to get approved.....I don't think so. Again it all depends on your health position. I'm sure it helped me that my insurance company noticed I was always going to the doctor and taking all kinds of tests. And when my paperwork was submitted I'm sure that sealed the deal. Good Luck. I hoped this helped. :)
   — NikkiCarter

January 6, 2003
If you are asking if the surgery is harder on a heavier person, that's impossible to answer. My BMI was 57.6 and I found the surgery quite easy. The only problem I had was with my arthritic knee and the pain from it. The surgery itself wasn't bad at all.
   — Patty_Butler

January 7, 2003
I would say that in general, the higher your BMI is, the higher the risk of any surgery is...however I had a high BMI (58) and had zero complications and a quick recovery period with low pain. Was it easy? heck no, but worth it!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 8, 2003
Hi. My BMI was 52 when I started (9 mnths ago) and is now 32. I didn't have any problems. I had the Lap RNY and actually the pain was easier than my C-sections that I had had previously. Good luck to you!
   — Leah H.