Question:
Does BMI of 36 with strong family history of breast cancer qualify for WLS?

I have a relative who has been a yo-yo dieter for years.She "only" has a BMI of 36 but has lost 3 close relatives to breast cancer. SHe also has gall bladder problems. SHe has considered taking the tamoxifen (?) treatment and even having her breasts removed prophylactically. Is she a candidate for WLS?    — Teri L. (posted on July 16, 1999)

July 16, 1999
I'm just curious..how do you think loosing weight will help her with her risk for breast cancer?..LOTS of skinny people get breast cancer..i dont think (I may be wrong) that breast cancer is enhanced or more prevalant amoung overweight women...
   — Deanna D.

July 16, 1999
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I really doubt it. If she can find a surgeon who will do it, she still has to get an insurance company to approve it. Check out OSSG at Onelist to see how tough some of the insurance companies are. It's sad, but people who weigh in excess of 300 with co-morbities are being denied by insurance companies left and right. Her best chance would be to see a surgeon and let him tell her whether or not her weight would qualify her. The surgeon can let her know how promising it looks with her insurance company. Best of luck.
   — Peggy51

July 16, 1999
Hi, actually obesity does significantly increase the risk for many types of cancer, including breast cancer. Dr. G, care to elaborate?
   — Elizabeth M.

July 17, 1999
Hi, I had WLS and my BMI was 36. A family history of breast cancer is considered one of the medical conditions/problems (comorbidities) associated to morbid obestity. Since I had a BMI of 36 I did quite a bit of research regarding whether I would be a candidate, etc. Here's what I found, you are generally a candidate for WLS if your BMI is 40 or greater regardless if comorbidities are present. If you BMI is 35-40 you are a candidate for WLS if comorbidites are present (a family predispotion to breast and uterine cancer is a comorbidity). Your friend is probably a borderline candidate and it would be worth consulting a WLS clinic/doctor. Now the thing about BMI's is that just a few pounds affect your BMI rating. Here's my doctor's website. He actually has a BMI & Comorbidity calculator and it will give a general assesment as to whether you are a candidate for WLS: http://www.valleysurgical.com/MorbidObesity/Considering/Candidate.htm Here's his general site URL: http://www.valleysurgical.com/ BTW - WLS is the absolute best thing I ever did for myself. I am happier and healthier than I've been in years! I have lost 90lbs in 7 months and gone from 243lbs pre-op to 153 today - I am 5'9" and have about another 10lbs to reach goal. Email directly should you have any other questions. Regards, Jennifer
   — Jennifer L.

July 20, 1999
WLS in considered in patient with BMI between 35-40 only if they currently have severe co-morbidity associated with morbid obestiy. Sorry, a family history of breast cancer is not considered current co-morbid of obesity.
   — Joseph A.