Question:
I have a bmi of 37.7 and no comorbidites. Is this something I should even consider?

   — judy S. (posted on July 11, 2002)

July 11, 2002
It may be real tough to get ins. approval if you have no co morbidities. It's tough when you DO have them! Most ins. comapnies require you to be, A: 100 pounds above your ideal body weight, B: BMI of 40 or more with no co morbidities, or C: a BMI such as yours WITH co morbidities. The only other option would be to self pay.
   — Kim B.

July 11, 2002
Are you sure you have no comorbidities? My starting BMI was only 36. I didnt think I had any comorbids either. My PCP was very aggressive and pro-active in my decision for WLS. He "helped" me find a comorbid. Have you ever had a sleep study done? My PCP set up a sleep study for me and we found out that I had sleep apnea. This was all I needed to get approved. I am now 9 months post op and down 90 pounds. I am 5'7" and my starting weight was 230 pounds. I am now 140, only 5 pounds away from my goal of 135. My current BMI is 21.9!! YIPEE I have an appt for a tummy tuck in September. Life is good!!! :) Dont give up. Check all avenues!! Good Luck!!
   — skymaxjr

July 11, 2002
please don't consider fraud. Go through the insurance co maybe they will approve you anyway. If not maybe the way to go is save and self pay. Good Luck
   — Robert L.

July 11, 2002
I had a BMI of 38.6 when I was approved. I did have co morbs, but my insurance companys guide lines were at least 100 pounds overweight and I was 112. So depending on what your insurance requires you might have a chance.
   — roshelle P.

July 11, 2002
You may have co morbidities and you just may not be aware of them. I recently compiled a list of them through diff. dr.'s opinions, researched data on the computer, and books. Associated problems due to severe obesity are as follows: heart problems, chest pains, racing heart/skipping, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure, chest tightness, shortness of breath, shortness of breath while exercising, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, tiredness, diabetes- 1 or 2, gestational diabetic, borderline diabetic, hypoglycemia, thyroid problems, abdominal wall hernias, gallbladder problems including stones, skin fold infections, stomach ulcers, heartburn, asthma, cronic bronchitis, blood clots in lungs, sleep apnea, snoring, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, swelling of legs, feet, or hands, varicose veins, ulcers of the leg, problems with leg veins, problems conceiving, irregular periods, pain with periods, incontinence, depression, social stigmatization, seizures, severe headaches, and visual problems. All of these problems are serious. I think you should do some research and decide if such a drastic surgery is an option. Is your life limited because of your weight? Do you suffer because of it? It is not an easy decision. And only you can decide if WLS is for you. If you feel it is something you'd like to pursue and you can't get approved by insurance, self-pay is always an option. I hope that this helps. Feel free to e-mail me if I you need anything.
   — Heather B.