Question:
I have a BMI of 36.6 and co-morbid symptoms. I am self pay . Will the Dr. refuse?

I can pay for the surgery. Will a Dr. refuse if your BMI is not 40? My BMI is 36.6, I have high blood pressure,on medication, getting bad knees, incontinance, sore feet and have gone to my Dr. multiple times to discuss my weight issues.    — Barbara V. (posted on July 24, 2005)

July 24, 2005
Most surgeons have a criteria of who they would consider a candidate surgery, regardless of the patient being self-pay or insured. Go to some seminars in your area and see what the criteria of the surgeons you are considering is. Some surgeons will only perform the surgery on a BMI of 40 or higher, some will perform it on 30-35 BMI or higher... some will not perform the surgery on a BMI of 50 or higher. It all depends on the surgeon. There are lots of people on this site who had surgery with a BMI of just at 35 or a little above 35 like you and they have been very successful. Be sure to select a good surgeon and do all of your homework on the surgeon. I'm sure you can find a surgeon who will do the procedure, but you want to make sure he's an experienced bariatric surgeon and has good long-term follow up care. Also, try to attend some of the bariatric support groups in your area for an idea of good surgeons. Good luck and best wishes!
   — Shayna T.

July 24, 2005
Most docs would not do a less than 40 BMI with the co-morbs you list. Most would be looking for diabetes and significant sleep apnea, to name a few. I t should not matter, to a reputable doctor, whether you are self pay or not. Keep in mind that there can be plenty of complications, and continual upkeep (tests etc.) for the rest of your life and most insurances will not cover anything they can relate to WLS, if they do not cover the surgery. Not trying to persuade you not to have surgery, but just realize you need more money than just what the surgery costs. The upkeep, especially for the first year is significant.
   — zoedogcbr

July 24, 2005
Most Docs will perform the surgery with a BMI of 35 with Co-morbidities (at least 1 and you high B/P is one)or BMI of 40 with not co-morbities. Keep the faith and believe. Remember that ALL things are possible. Let me know if I can help. Thanks, Hope
   — Hope Netterville

July 24, 2005
Most Docs will perform the surgery with a BMI of 35 with Co-morbidities (at least 1 and you high B/P is one)or BMI of 40 with not co-morbities. Keep the faith and believe. Remember that ALL things are possible. Let me know if I can help. Thanks, Hope
   — Hope Netterville

July 31, 2005
My doc will do them at 35 with comorbs. Do you already have a doc?
   — vitalady