Question:
Am I not fat enough?

I am 5'5 and 230 lbs. I think my BMI is around 38. I am considering starting the process of the surgery, but my BMI is not 40. I dont really have any serious co-morbities other than back pain. Is it reasonable to think that this surgery could be a possibility for me, or should I forget about it? I have a long history of failed diets, and believe this is my only hope. Any suggestions?    — Tara J. (posted on March 31, 2001)

March 31, 2001
You're 28 so you just haven't had as much time for the serious co-morbidities to develop. I admire you for the desire to take steps now that will help you avoid problems caused or exacerbated by obesity as you grow older. My suggestion is that you sit down and write out every little ache or pain that you have from being overweight. Do you ever get a rash from thigh rub? Do you get pain in your knees, hips or ankles when you have to be on your feet for long periods of time? Are you short of breath when you climb stairs? Do you snore? Do you ever have abnormal menstrual periods? Write out a family history of diseases that are caused or exacerbated by obesity. Any heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes in your family? My insurance considered family history when making the approval decision. Your mileage may vary with that aspect. Also, consider this...my orthopedist told me that for every one pound a person is overweight it adds three pounds of stress to the weight bearing joints. Don't ignore any type of pain, no matter how slight, in your joints. Best of luck to you and I hope this information is helpful.
   — Roseann M.

April 2, 2001
I had a BMI of 38.2. My weight was 234 and my height 5'7". My surgery was March 7, 2001. I do have co-morbidities or arthritus of the spine caused by two spinal surgeries, elevated blood pressure, elevated cholestrol, pains in the joints, Acid reflux. I paid for the surgery myself, $21,000, so probably it was easier to be approved by the physician (Dr. Vaugan in Jupiter Florida) than it would have been if I had to be approved by the insurance company. Well worth the money. At 3 1/2 weeks, I have lost 34 lbs. Good luck to you.
   — Dorothy T.