Question:
DO all surgeons require that you have severe co-morbidities to have WLS?

Hi yall, I had an appt today with a surgeon that does the WLS in my area of Columbia SC. He told me that he would not do the surgery on me because I am not sick enough!! he said I barely meet his wt requirments.....I am 130 lbs over wt. He said I would have to be obese enough to where I would rather be dead than live that fat. I failed at all the diets now I feel like I'm failing because I am not obese enough and I am not sick. Thank goodness I dont have any of the serious co-morbs, but I will have them If I dont get this wt off. Please tell me that some of you have had the surgery and not been very ill with the serious co-morbidities. I was so upset, and crying that it took me 15 mins to get myself together enough to walk out of the exam room. Am I being a big baby? I just know this is tthe right took for me to begin a new life. Please give me some votes of confidence that I will find someone to do this surgery for me. I love all you guys and gals on this website. I don't know what I would do without you. my email is [email protected]. Valerie    — Valerie B. (posted on January 25, 2000)

January 25, 2000
Valerie, I am having the surgery on 2-28-00 and from what you are saying, you are carrying around more weight than I am. I am 110 lbs over "ideal" and have no comorbidities. I had no problem with the WLS I am seeing. I think you need to be referred to another WLS surgeon for a second opinion. Hang in there and keep fighting for what you want.
   — Janie K.

January 25, 2000
Valerie please hang in there and look for another surgeon. I had a Lap RNY done on October 25 1999. Guess what? The only thing they could put in my letter of medical necessity to the insurance company was that I had some arthritis. I was 43 years old and weighted 235lbs at 5'3" with a BMI around 42. I am so happy I didn't wait until I did have more problems or gained more weight. My surgeon had no difficulty with performing my surgery. Keep searching for a surgeon who understands what this is all about.
   — Jilda H.

January 25, 2000
Dear Valerie, First, what kind of insurance to you have? Was this your primary that referred you to this surgeon, if so get back with your pcp and advise him that you would like to be referred to another surgeon, you can state personality conflict,etc for your reasoning, or if this is a surgeon that you just picked yourself, I agree with Ray, I wish I lived in NC so I could go to Dr. Rutledge, or Dr. Champion in Atlanta. Good luck and dont give up, if you are 130 lbs overweight, most insurance companies dont require any other co-morbities, mine requires co-morbities if you are only considered "obese" and not "morbidly obese", which usually at 100 lbs over is morbidly obese. Just my .02 worth. Again Good Luck, Linda Collins
   — Linda C.

January 26, 2000
I just had a Lap RNY on Jan 10th. I was 100 pounds overweight, with no serious comrbidities. I have asthma, and lower back problems. I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes. I know there are a lot of people who have been approved with the same kind of situation. Have you calculated your BMI? My surgeon and insurance company used this as an indicator of whether or not you need surgery. If this is what you want, try to find another surgeon who will support you. Good luck
   — Linda S.

March 21, 2004
I'm not sure when your question was posted but see this site www.hickorysurgical.com
   — HSCLisa