Question:
BMI of 36.5 w/ a few co-morbs but concerned
My BMI is 36.5 I'm 5'8" and 240. I don't think I LOOK big which is a concern to me because I think doctors will laugh about my interest in this surgery but my co-morbs include: Extremely irregular periods (last time I missed 3 months worth of periods and they had to induce my period by medication so they could put me on birth control), shortness of breath over little exertion, back and knee problems, problems with my nerves (my mother-in-law calls it Cyatica) , however spelled, Migraines, I also have IBS which may be relevant to my weight. I have to be on medication all the time, the symptoms could clear up if I lost this weight. But this is my delimma so if anyone has any input at all it would be greatly appreciated! — Sarah M. (posted on August 29, 2003)
August 29, 2003
My bmi at the time of my consult w/the surgeon was 35. I also have
comorbidities. My insurance co denied last October and the surgeons office
sent in an appeal and now the surgery is going to be covered. Don't give
up, keep on top of things. Make sure the surgeons office puts ALL
comorbidities on letter they send to ins co. Good luck.
— Sonya H.
August 29, 2003
My bmi was 36 and i had comorbids diabetes hbp and high cholestrol i was
approved in three day and am now 3.5 weeks post
— CARMEN B.
August 29, 2003
I doubt your cor-morbs will be considered serious enough to approve the
surgery. To get approved at a 35-39 BMI they are looking for diabetes,
sleep apnea, previous heart attacks etc.
<p>The funny part is I had/have a number of your more serious
co-morbs and am now down to 283 from 442 and my goal weight is 200 lbs. My
initial goal was anywhere under 250 lbs. I'm 5'9. You are starting at 240
and want WLS. I guess people's perceptions vary drastically.
— zoedogcbr
August 29, 2003
My BMI was 36 - and taking medication for high blood pressure. I think
they are looking for co-morbidities that are being treated with medication.
And by co-morbidities I believe they are referring to high blood pressure,
diabetes, sleep apnea - perhaps others, but those are the 3 I remember.
— Carolyn H.
August 29, 2003
Well, I hope I am not offending anyone about my interest in this procedure
and only weighing 240. I do realize I am rushing the thought of it and know
the best thing for me right at this point is to keep trying other options
but my weight is a real discomfort and my circulation is so poor right now
that my legs are continuously in pain and I have tingling sensations
throughout my body all the time. That is a big reason I am considering this
option. It's not for vain reasons that I am interested in this option. I
have read up on it and have had five family members go through the surgery
with 100% success, one of which was my mother. So, familiar I am. At this
point in my life I consume about 1200 calories a day just to maintain my
weight. 1500 is considered a diet for normal people, so I know weight loss
is a real issue with me. My doctor has referred me to an Endocrinologist to
do some blood work. We'll see how it goes.
— Sarah M.
August 30, 2003
Welcome to the Lightweights' Corner! That's us with BMI's in the range
35-40 with co-morbidities. I urge you to make an appointment with your
Primary Care Physician (PCP) to begin documenting the state of your
physical health. Your mother's diagnosis of sciatica will not be enough
for a surgical group or for an insurance company. Get the full physical,
plus blood work, and a pelvic. This is only the very least of what you
will need to make your case. More importantly, I sense that you really do
not know the range or possibilities of your physical condition, so now is
the time to find out. You particularly want to know about your cholestral
levels, and your blood sugar situation. Let your PCP know that you want
to discuss gastric bypass surgery. If s/he is not sympathetic, seek
another physician. Or, consult with a bariatric surgery group in your
area, and get a referral to a PCP who understands what the surgery can do
for health. Good luck!!!
— Deborah M.
August 30, 2003
"my weight is a real discomfort and my circulation is so poor right
now that my legs are continuously in pain and I have tingling sensations
throughout my body all the time."
<p>This concerns me and should be checked out thoroughly. This could
be more than circulation and you need to know before going through a
surgery. It may also be something that will help build your case for WLS.
You may have more serious co-morbs than you realize.
— zoedogcbr
August 30, 2003
You all have been so sweet and helpful in every way! As of right now I am
between insurance companies, which can actually be a very good thing for
me. I'll be checking into Aetna and Blue Cross I think. Luckily for me I
asked for information from Bariatric Treatment Centers and there is a
facility in Philly. I'm from the Baltimore Maryland area so that is really
a hop, skip, and a jump away. I may go with them. I talked to a surgeon at
Johns Hopkins who has done several surgeries for folks on this forum. He
told me he would do the surgery if I could get proof that I will need a hip
or knee replacement. I don't think I'm at that point. Someone suggested to
me that my tingling may be diabetes. This would not surprise me as it runs
in both sides of my family and my paternal grandfather died from
complications of it. Dunno, we'll have to wait and see.
— Sarah M.
August 30, 2003
Sarah: I don't know if this is a real concern or not, but you might want
to be careful of having any documentation of you looking into this surgery
prior to getting your new insurance. You don't want them denying you for a
pre-existing condition. Just be aware of all the reasons insurance
companies try to deny you and be careful. Good luck.
— sherry hedgecock
August 30, 2003
Sarah: I don't know if this is a real concern or not, but you might want
to be careful of having any documentation of you looking into this surgery
prior to getting your new insurance. You don't want them denying you for a
pre-existing condition. Just be aware of all the reasons insurance
companies try to deny you and be careful. Good luck.
— sherry hedgecock
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