Question:
Can you be too big for surgery?
what is too big for surgery? at 77 bmi could this be a reason the insurance co. is dragging its feat? — Tica G. (posted on January 22, 2002)
January 22, 2002
Your not too big, my surgeons top weight patient was 1,100 pounds. Dont
know their heigth, but its off the charts even at 7 foot tall. Insurance
companies TRY to save money by procrastinating hoping you will loose
interest. Keep after them.
— bob-haller
January 22, 2002
Tica,
You should qualify for this surgery with no question! As for the insurance
company dragging their feet, that's probably more of a money issue. One
thing I did want to make sure of, is that when you choose your surgeon,
make sure not only he, but the hospital as well, has experience dealing
with patients with a BMI similiar to yours. You need to make sure they're
prepared beforehand, so there's not issues transferring you from operating
table to bed and they're taking proper precautions since your
co-morbidities are probably higher. We, the WLS community, just lost
someone who had surgery last year. His surgery went fine, but he was
actually dropped a week after surgery and *all* his sutures opened and
basically he had complications since then until he just died this year.
With the proper preparation, not only by the surgeon, but by the hospital,
this would have been completely preventable, which is very sad. I just want
to make sure you are proactive in making sure that both your surgeon and
the hospital are completely prepared and things are planned carefully.
There have been many successful patients with your BMI, but don't assume
all the bases are covered. Ask questions until you're satisfied with the
answers!
Good luck!
((hugs))
— [Anonymous]
January 22, 2002
Your not too big when i had my surgery my bmi was 76 and I came
through fine. I didn't have a problem with the insurance co. but some
insurance cos like to drag their feet since they like to find ways not to
have to pay out all that money. Keep on top of them and I am sure you will
get approval. Good Luck!
— [Anonymous]
January 22, 2002
Tica, we have a lot in common. I don't think you have anything to worry
about. I thought I was TOO big for surgery and even posted a question
identical to yours. I really felt that there was no way I could 'qualify'
for surgery, but I was very wrong. My surgeon says I am a great candidate
for wls (BMI of 67 to start, down to 63 after several weeks on pre-op
diet), let's just hope my insurance thinks the same! Good luck to
you--can't wait to see those 'after' photos! Hang in there, it can be a
very long process but it's worth it! Stay persistant and don't give up!
— jenn2002
January 22, 2002
I have a friend who had a BMI of 81, he had his surgery and came thru fine.
He did have to lose a little weight before surgery, and now that he's had
it, he has lost like 145 pounds in 6 months.
— [Anonymous]
January 23, 2002
My starting out BMI was in the 80's!! I did just fine. But I will say
some doctors won't do it and some hospitals won't have the facilities won't
do it either. My first surgeon said I would have to lose 100 (yes, 100)
pounds to have the surgery. I found another surgeon and had the surgery no
problems. Good Luck!!!
— Pamela P.
January 26, 2002
I had my surgery in Sept of 2000 and i was 535 with a BMI of 89. I have had
no complications what soever. I am a slow looser at 160 lbs gone forever.
Good Luck Carol
— Carol M.
January 28, 2002
My doctor told me that I had the highest BMI. 83. (I'm short:) I had no
problem with the surgery. I have lost 121 pounds since last Feb. (Almost a
year!)
Go for it!
— Gail A.
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