Question:
I have bmi of 30 but family history of morbid obesity, is there a way to have surgery

am 27 with a bmi of 30. I take diet pills daily and have for 7 years, My mother was morbidly obese and had the bypass and is doing great. Because this would happen to me if I wasn't taking so many diet pills I would like to have the surgery before I have a heart attack or get so large that I am suicidal.    — amanda C. (posted on November 14, 2002)

November 14, 2002
Amanda, I doubt you would find a doctor to do surgery on you with a bmi of 30 and no co-morbidities. You are overweight by bmi standards, not obese. I have heard of some with a bmi below 40 but they usually have co-morbidities like high blood pressure and diabetes. I doubt a family history in an otherwise healthy individual will qualify. This surgery is designed for those 100 pounds or more overweight who have tried all sorts of diets and failed-its kind of a last resort. Your so young. I can sympathize, though, with you not wanting to gain 100 pounds before doing something about it. And you mention taking diet pills every day which cannot be good for you. Sweetie, since your mom had the surgery, what does she think of you having it? I wish I had a good answer for you. You may want to talk to a professional too. It couldn't hurt. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

November 14, 2002
I agree with previous poster. You will not find a doc or insurance co that will accept you as a candidate for bypass surgery.
   — Karla K.

November 14, 2002
You will have great trouble getting insurance to pay for WLS. But you might get a self pay LAP Band. They were looking into getting it approved for lower BMIs. Check out the bandsters group for more info.
   — bob-haller