Question:
Who would not be eligible to have WLS

I have my first appt to see the WLS doctor in July. I know this sounds silly but I am worried he may say i dont qualify for some reason I am more than 100 lbs overweight and I think I am in pretty good health..I guess my questions is when they are doing all the Pre-op tests what are they looking for? example Blood tests and others...what could they find that they would say no...you cant have WLS. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 23, 2000)

May 23, 2000
Hi. Well to my understanding, they are looking for co-morbitites from your obesity. Such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholestrial, back, neck pain, things like that. I'm having surgery June 7th and I have sleep apnea. I think that is what got me approved by my insurance. Oh, they also look for how many times you have dieted, how many times you have failed at that. I hope that this has helped a little bit! Feel free to E-mail me if you have any other questions. Good luck! Kristin from Wisconsin
   — MissAuntieK

May 23, 2000
They checked my blood,heart,gallblader,breathing,mental state,your basic exam to make sure your heathy to have the surgery and if you do have medical problems that they are stable to have it done. Most have the o.k. unless they have problems with one of these areas. ~.~ You'll do fine.
   — Theresa B.

May 23, 2000
I fortunately had no co-morbities myself when I had my first appt with my surgeon... but my family did. I was pretty healthy for being a big as I was. I had an EKG, blood gases, pulmonary function tests, blood tests, x-rays of the chest area, upper endoscopy (to rule out ulcerr or leasions in the stomach and esphogus area), all my tests were just fine, I doubt the dr. will not think you are a good candidate, but also check with your insurance company, some follow the "BMI" levels, and some (like my insurance company) follow there own guidelines, for example: my insurance company considered me obese if I was 100lbs over 160lbs for my height, I am 5' 7 1/2" tall; if you went by the BMI standards 160lbs would not be considered ideal. You might want to also check your insurance company standards as well. Best of luck!
   — Jamie T.