Question:
I would like some advise on where to go next.....

I have (in reading ALOT and talking with a few) found that I am still too far under weight. The problem is I am having more severe problems with my asthma and having a hard time even exercizing anymore. I have tried all kinds of diets and over the counter pills with only more gain and very little loss, if any. Well the problem is that I don't want to have to gain more weight to get help for this problem. I have been dieting and excercizing daily and have still gained 2 sized since the 1st of the year. I need advise on what to try next and how to try and stop this gain. Any advise would be appreciated.    — Brandy C. (posted on March 21, 2000)

March 21, 2000
Hi - you didn't tell us what your BMI was - weight/height? If your BMI is 35 or higher, there are many surgeons that can help you with your co-morbids. I know several 37 BMI's that had insurance cover their procedure - mine included. If your BMI is lower than 35, then you would have to call the surgeon's office and ask them if they have ever done this on people with lower BMIs. I have never heard of doctors doing a bypass on 34 or less BMI. I understand your fear of continually gaining weight especially when you have a chronic health problem you struggle with. Have you seen your primary care physician about this? Have you tried Merida or Xenical? (I would suggest Merida before Xenical.) Often, insurance requires a history of seeing doctors about your obesity and working with them on it. Hope this helps.
   — Shar /.

March 21, 2000
Sorry about that. My current BMI is 35.5 I am 5'4" and about 200lbs (home scale). I am currently under treament with my dr and just finished all the blood test. I do not have diabetes or thyroid problems, and they cannot find anything else to explain the weight gain either. I have not tried either of those but have planned on talking with my dr about them next week when I go in. I have tried over the counter meds such as the fat trapper as well as Metabolife with no result. The problem is that I will have to find an outside insurance with a personal policy that will cover this. Tricare Prime will most likely not cover me for this at this time since I am still not 100 lbs over weight. Right now I think I am just looking into my options and trying to get guidence from those who have been where I am right now.
   — Brandy C.

March 21, 2000
Brandy - I have Tricare also (Standard, not Prime) and there's another possibility. If you can document some co-morbidities (sleep apnea, joint pain, back pain, there a host of them) you may be able to get coverage that way. The 100 pounds over ideal isn't supposed to be carved in stone, if you can document some co-morbids. Best of luck to you, whichever approach you take.
   — Duffy H.

March 21, 2000
Does anyone know where I can find a list of co-morbidities?? I would like to see a list to be more informed before I approach my dr with this. I am trying to learn and absorb as much as I can about this surgery as I can before I approach my dr about it. That way they cannot treat me like I am stupid and don't know what I am talking about (have heard of alot of that happening).
   — Brandy C.

March 21, 2000

   — Victoria B.