Question:
Can you be approved for this surgery with a BMI under 35?

Is WLS even a possible option for those whose BMI is 26-35?    — Melissa H. (posted on February 7, 2004)

February 6, 2004
I guess anything is possible. There would be some really big "IF"s first. Most insurance companies have guidelines they follow to approve this surgery . I seriously doubt if you would fall within any of thoses guidelines. However, IF you had multiple serious co-morbidities (conditions that can eventually casue death by themselves) and you can offer documentation of the seriousness of these co-morbidities, you might have a shot at approval by insurance. Next, I don't know IF there would be a surgeon willing to do WLS on someone with a low BMI (unless, of course, you have the aforementioned serious co-morbidities.) Weight loss surgery is a serious, risky, permanent, life-altering, non-reversible event - not a quick weigh to lose weight. I have no doubt you may get flamed with this question! I honestly don't think WLS is an option with a low BMI. There are no national guidelines that address that issue. In fact, the NIH guidelines are pretty stringent for those with a BMI between 35 and 40.
   — koogy

February 6, 2004
The day I had surgery my BMI was 33.3. You are more then welcome to look at my profile, or email me with any questions. As said with the last post people could bombard you with posts on this one. Just remember you need to do what is right for you.
   — Mini Gadget

February 7, 2004
Melissa, Of course, it depends on what's going on. For instance - what co-morbidities are involved? Are you a revision from a previously failed WLS? That sort of thing. Just a side note - my surgeon (and quite a few others throughout Europe) are doing just the "switch" portion of the DS on non-morbidly obese but severely diabetic patients. The cure rate on diabetes is like 99% - totally exciting! So if that's what you're hoping for - then yes, there is hope! My best advice to you is to talk to your PCP, or find a surgeon whom you know to be reputable with an excellent surgical record, and start asking questions. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

February 7, 2004
Do you have co-morbidities? My BMI is 39 now (was 56) and there is no way in H-E double hockey sticks I'd have the surgery. This procedure almost killed me. I feel great now, and would have the surgery again in a heartbeat (if my BMI was still 56). But at BMI 39, I would never have this surgery. I am not in the heart attack range anymore. It is not life-threatening. I am able to exercise at this weight. I haven't been this weight since I was 15. If I was this weight as an adult pre-op, a lot of things would have been different. If your life depends on it, they should give you the surgery, no matter your BMI. But this can kill you, so unless you're dying anyway, I wouldn't do it.
   — mrsmyranow

February 8, 2004
I can imagine finding a dr. to do the surgery, and getting approved if you have a BMI 30-35 IF you have some major co-morbids. These would be uncontrollable diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. There may be more, just can't think of them right now. I see lot's of people, even with a BMI of 35-40, or over 40 that list back pain, knee pain, etc.. as co-morbids and the truth is, these things suck and they really hurt, but they ain't gonna kill you. Even my one "co-morbid" that was listed won't kill me (it was PCOS, BTW). It's not life or death to have a baby. That being said, some insurances are more lenient than others and I do thank my gods that I did have one of those. I just can't imagine any dr. doing surgery, or any insurance company approving anyone with a BMI of less than 30. I guess you could check into self paying, but if the dr. really has your best interests at heart he wouldn't do it. <p> I'm really not bashing anyone with a BMI of less than 40 aka, lightweights. My original BMI was about 45, but when I had my revision it was "only" 38. I was very suprised I was approved.
   — Ali M

February 8, 2004
I think it would depend on your co-morbidities (if you have any) and your BMI. Most insurances require a BMI of 35 or over with one co-morbid condition (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.) or a BMI of 40 if you have no co-morbid conditions. Check your insurance policy (if you want insurance to pay for it) and see what their criteria is for WLS. Most insurances require it be medically necessary and part of the approval process will include diet and weight history. If you aren't going through an insurance approval process, check with a surgeon in your area who performs WLS and ask them what their criteria for surgery is.
   — Shayna T.

February 9, 2004
Hey Myra, guess what? I just got home from having WLS, and my BMI was 39. Don't assume that just because you feel so well at 39, after being a 56, that everyone else does too. My husband told me the other day that he was really scared that I would be in a wheelchair within 2 years if I didn't go on and have this done. I get sick and tired of the assumptions by some here that lightwieghts have it so easy and they're just doing this for cosmetic reasons. 75 lbs over your ideal wieght can feel just as bad as 200 lbs. Katie W. -8.5
   — Le P.