Question:
I've never been on a doctor recommended diet, would I still qualify?

I have no insurance and am willing to pay out of pocket for the surgery. I have a BMI of 41. My problem is I have no 'history' of problems with my obesity. I have always been obese and that has been recorded with past doctors, but I have never been put on a diet, pills or anything by my doctor. I don't have any diseases. I have female problems and back problems. What do you think my chances of being able to have surgery are? I can't live the rest of my life like this and risk developing an obesity related disease. Please help with any advice.    — Kelly R. (posted on March 10, 2002)

March 10, 2002
I have very few dr supervised diets, I was on Redux and Meridia. Meridia did not work, Redux was taken off of the market, darn and it worked. I do not think that was a problem with my ins. co., but I had co-morbidities and a bmi of 44, which made it medically necessary for the surgery. It all depends on your drs. and what he/she recommends. Good luck.
   — ChristineB

March 10, 2002
Usually, the requirement of doctor supervised weight loss comes from the insurance company, not the surgeon. If you are self-pay, you probably won't need to worry about it. Your BMI is enough to qualify you for the surgery.
   — garw

March 10, 2002
My doc (here Federal Way, WA) bases his decision on your BMI, your comorbs and your chat with him. He doesn't do a one-size-fits all surgery or consult. Ins companies are trying to protect their $$ and hopefully, the doc wants to protect YOU.
   — vitalady

March 11, 2002
I also had a BMI of 43. I had no prior medically supervised diets but had tried lots of stuff on my own--most of us have. With no insurance you should have no problem getting the surgeon to take you on. If he asks, tho, list it all: Weight Watchers, low calorie diets, fad diets, exercise regimens, high protein diets, etc. List out anything that you have tried. My experience is that most doctors hand you a copy of that @#$%ing pyramid and tell you to eat less. So much for medical supervision!
   — ctyst