Question:
I want to lose 20 pounds Will this hinder me in getting approved

I was referred yesterday by my primary Doctor. 291 5'10" My appointment is Oct.11th 2002. I graduate sept 18th 2002 from nursing school and I am the one who has to give a speech. Will this hurt me trying to lose 20 pounds? I usually can lose but I can NEVER keep it off......    — krista V. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 10, 2002
Actually, it could - depending on your insurance and whether you have any co-morbidities (you don't mention anything in your profile). Your BMI at 291 is 41.8 and your BMI at 271 would be 38.9. Many insurance companies have criteria of a BMI of 35 or greater with co-morbidities or 40 or greater without co-morbidities. Of course, you could always lose the 20 pounds for graduation and then put it back on by your initial consulation *G*... Congratulations on your graduation from nursing school, by the way! My wife is a RN who graduated from nursing school 25 years ago this year. There's a big nursing shortage out there and we need more nurses!!!
   — John Rushton

August 12, 2002
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! John's point is well taken about insurance. At the time of my consultation, I weighed 268 (I'm 5'7"), which put my BMI over 40, so I was approved. During a pre-op appointment a few weeks later, my doctor weighed me in at 256. I had been working out and eating better because I was excited about being approved, and looking forward to the surgery. When my doctor saw I was at 256, he told me not to lose any more weight or insurance might not pay! I thought that was nuts, but I totally respected what he was telling me about the financial consequences. So, I started overeating again (blech!) but kept working out...and at time of surgery, still barely had that 40 BMI. (And with my history of yo-yo'ing ever higher, I had no doubt I'd have gained that weight back without WLS.) So...be cautious, 'cause you're considered a "lightweight" by some insurance company standards. You may lose coverage or be denied if you lose too much prior to being approved, or even prior to surgery.
   — Suzy C.