Question:
my BMI is 37.5, I am 5ft 2inches @ 200 lbs do i qualify for surgery?

Is the BMI qualifying my ideal weight? What should be my normal weight?    — Wanda M. (posted on January 23, 2000)

January 23, 2000
I'm just 5'1 and weighed 211. The doctors center approved me immediately. But I have apnea and stuff. If you don't get quailified somewhere then go somewhere else. You'll get passed eventually.
   — [Anonymous]

January 24, 2000
Hi there i'm not trying to sound harsh, but i think your BMI has to be a certain range your Bmi is in obese but not morbid obesity. I know that your not real tall and 200lbs for your hight seems abit much but even if your could get approved are you sure that being about 50 pounds over weight is reason enough to go through this drastic procedure I like many other have done it happily but if I weighed 200 lbs I think my desision would be different. I know loseing weight no matter what you weigh is hard but really research wls before you decide. hope this helps
   — [Anonymous]

January 24, 2000
The typical requirement is the your BMI be at 40 or above. But if there are circumstances (like co-morbidites)then it is possible to be approved. I think it is up to the individual doctor and insurance company also.
   — Sarah D.

January 24, 2000
Wanda, I just read your profile, you have diabetes, that is a co-morbid. With your bmi being above 35 there are docs that will do this surgery because of your co-morbid. Good luck.
   — Julie R.

January 25, 2000
The requirement is usuall 35 and above is mobidly obese. It really depends on you doctor. Do a doc search or ask for doc's in your area? Think long and hard about it, but, if you are determined to have it done, get a good Doctor and go from there. I wish you the best of luck. My doc is Dr. Lawrence Barzune in Dallas. I am pre-op with a surgery date of 02/18/00. My 48th birthday. Good Luck and God Bless. JLL
   — Jen L.