Question:
Can I lose weight if I am only 40 BMI?

I'm so used to being on a diet that it's weird not trying to lose weight. I am actually getting pretty sick of "normal" eating and would love to cut back. I have my surgical consults next week. Is it okay after that or do I need to wait for my surgery date to be set?    — susanje (posted on November 27, 2002)

November 27, 2002
Susan - After your initial consult and the doctor has recorded your weight to send off in the letter to the insurance company, you can go ahead back to *your* normal eating...JR
   — John Rushton

November 27, 2002
I had the same problem. I didn't have any "real" health problems, thank god. And I was afraid that the insurance would deny me becuase your BMI has to be over 40 to get it through my insurance; and my BMI was 43. I was afraid that they would deny me and tell me to losse 23 lbs and then I would have a BMI less than 40. However, they didn't. I just ate normal and did the usual and I was aproved. Best of luck..
   — Heather S.

November 27, 2002
I am starting my journey, i just had my consult with my surgeon and i was glad i didnt loose any weight prior because now they want me to loose 23lbs before surgery. I would wait to see what your surgeon says. Some insurance companies require you to loose 8% of your body weight, i enjoyed eating up until my surgeons date because here on out i am on a strict diet. Good Luck to you with your appointment.......
   — roxxyblue72

November 27, 2002
Hi Susan: It depends upon your insurance company. My BMI was so borderline that I was afraid to lose any weight, for fear of being rejected for surgery. Surgery was approved in 2 days. I was weighed at consultation, and was not weighed before surgery. Of course during those 6 weeks, I put on 5 pounds, lol. Find out if you must have a BMI of 40 by your insurance company's standards. Ask the doctor's biller. He/She should know. My doctor/insurance company did not require weight loss prior to surgery for anyone. However, the doctor told me if I weighed 10 pounds less at consultation, he would not be able to take me. My husband was so supportive, and was actually afraid for me to gain weight beforehand. He feared that I would be disqualified and cancelled for surgery. Good luck.
   — Grace H.

November 27, 2002
My BMI was always just about 40 (although I did have co-morbidities). After my initial consult I lost 14 pounds and on the day of surgery was weighed in at 198 lbs. (I'm 5'1"). I don't think the surgeon was too happy but I had already been approved and, let's face it, given two more weeks, I'd have put the weight back on anyway. That was my history. I think you're okay as long as your BMI is 40 at consult. Good luck!
   — Arlene S.

November 28, 2002
I say, enjoy eating while you can!
   — Kami C.