Question:
Question for lightweights

I have a BMI of 43. My surgery is not for 6 months, during which time I will be exercising. Losing 20 pounds will lower by BMI to 39.9. My question is this: Will I no longer qualify for surgery if my BMI is this low at surgery time? I've got 6 months to wait, I want to start getting healthy, but if I've got to sit around and stay as fat as I am, I will. It's discouraging, though. Thanks!    — Angie M. (posted on May 4, 2002)

May 4, 2002
Angie, I don't think it is a problem since you are already approved. Talk to your doctor about it but I imagine he/she will be happy to have you take off any extra weight as it will only make you healthier for the surgery! Best wishes to you!
   — kylakae

May 4, 2002
Sorry but I disagree with the previous poster. As a lightweight also, I was told by my physician that he requires weigh-in right before surgery. I was told not go below the BMI listed when approved by my insurance, which is 36. I also have a friend whose BMI is currently 40.9. Her doctor also told her to keep her BMI up before surgery, and because she does not have any co-morbidities that it cannot go below 40 or he won't do surgery on her. I would ask your doctor to make sure. You wouldn't want to be cancelled for surgery because you have lost weight. Good luck.
   — Joanie J.

May 4, 2002
Definately check with the surgeon/insurance company. They probably each have their own set of rules. Good for you on gettting a head-start on healthy! If you can't lose weight and maintain approval, maybe you could keep your calories the same and exercise still. Good luck!
   — emilyfink

May 4, 2002
TRY TO KEEP YOUR BMI AT ALEAST 40 THEY COULD TAKE THE APPROVAL AWAY. THIS IS WHAT MY DOCTOR TOLD ME. LAURIE
   — laura B.

May 4, 2002
Hi, Angie, it sounds like you were in the same boat I was in. I did not want to gain any weight, but I also was barely on the BMI of qualifying. I just tried to pace myself the the months I had to wait for my surgery. I ate normally, but I did not try to lose. I managed to stay around the same weight, somehow. But the Friday before my surgery when I went to weigh in at Dr. Champion's office, they told me that if I had GAINED or LOST 20 lbs either way, he would not do the surgery, so check w/you Dr. Anyway, I wish you the best with you adventure, you will be sooo thriled, I know I am. We lightweights do lose a little slower, but who cares, as long as we get rid of it eventually!!! Patti Meadows/ 9/27/01 rny / -/85 lbs.
   — peppermintp

May 4, 2002
Hi. good job on trying to start exercising, i give you credit, my surgery is 4 weeks away and have not started yet! i have a BMI of 45 and am only 5'2. But with a 43, i would suggest still exercising, but maybe only losing 10 pounds? not overdoing the exercising, but just getting yourself back in shape, if u need to. you never know what insurance will do if you go a point below 40, they can do whatever they want unfortunately. goodluck!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 5, 2002
I also am a light weight. As long as your weight loss doctor has your weight NOW before you start to diet and exercise, it's okay. If you have lost alot of weight and then you see him you may not qualify with your insurance. Thats what almost happened with me.
   — sandy W.