Question:
What if my BMI goes too low before surgeryconsult?

I had my psych consult a couple of weeks ago, and the psychologist said she wanted me to lose 5-10 pounds before she'd sign off on me. My BMI was 36 when I saw her, and now it's about 35.2 (after losing 5 pounds). My fear is that when I have my consultation with the surgeon in 2 weeks, if my BMI has fallen below 35 she'll say I don't qualify anymore! I have several comorbidities, and I'm self-pay, so insurance approval isn't an issue.    — sjwilde (posted on March 2, 2003)

March 2, 2003
When I originally went to my Dr, I was at my higher weight, then he had pre-op diet that I had to do. If I would have been looking for approval from that weight, I probably wouldn't have been approved for insurance, however since you are self pay, this may not be an issue. Some surgeons prefer the lower BMI's for less risk during procedure. Either that or eat a whole bunch and wear extremely heavy clothes when you weight in at the surgeons office!!!LOL
   — sheri H.

March 3, 2003
I would tell the doctor that you were an inch or two shorter than you actually are. This will increase your BMI. At no time was I ever actually measured for height. I was simply asked how tall I was. Good luck. - Mike
   — Michael N.

March 3, 2003
I'd call the surgeon and explain the situation. He or she should know that the psychologist is imposing a weight loss requirement as a condition of approval (sigh...now the shrinks are getting into the act of "devotional pounds lost just for me"? LOL...and "grunt" of disgust here). Let them know of your concern and see what they say (and find out from the doc -- not a receptionist or nurse whose word the doc might disavow later, you just never know). <P>In response to the previous poster (the original poster didn't bring this up) ... Under no circumstances would I lie about my height. At least, if you're a self-pay, as a previous poster suggested, it wouldn't be insurance fraud (otherwise, it is ... and pretty easy to prove, too). Beyond that, lying to your docs is just a real bad habit to get into -- they can't provide you with good health care without honest information. Saying you're shorter than you really are could cause them to set an unrealistically small goal weight. Or to think you're getting osteoperosis (if your height is suddenly lower than it was on some other chart).
   — Suzy C.