Question:
Anyone ever had to GAIN weight to have surgery?

I may have a unique situation. I am 5'5" and weigh about 225. My BMI is about 37. I want this surgery so badly I am actually thinking of trying to gain an extra 10 lbs so I will qualify for the surgery. Am I crazy?? I feel it is my last hope. I like all of you, have tried EVERYTHING to lose weight. My co-morbities include ankel and foot problems, low back pain, depression, shortness of breath. I had gestational diabetes with my last pregancy and that alone gives me a greater chance at diabetes, I know my weight does not help. So am I crazy??? I feel like its my only hope. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Please either post or email me prvately. Thanks. [email protected]    — Kelly M. (posted on May 3, 2000)

May 3, 2000
Hi Kelly: Some people are approved without their BMI being classified as 'morbidly obese', due to their comorbidities. Check with your insurance company and see what their requirements are. Good luck! Jaye
   — Jaye C.

May 3, 2000
Darlin, I don't think you're crazy at all. While I usually don't recommend gaining weight purposely, I can say that I understand anyone doing whatever they felt necessary to have surgery. After all, I'm thinking with so many people having this procedure now, that insurance companies might start adding new guidelines to make it harder to get approval. This might not be the case, but it wouldn't surpise me at all. Good luck in whatever you decide.
   — Tina H.

May 3, 2000
Kelley, I've known people to wear weights in their pockets, to slump terribly when their height is measured, to wear several layers of clothes... it happens! Not crazy at all. But, peole have been approved with an under 40 bmi, if the co-morbidites are significant. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 4, 2000
Hi, My BMI was 36.5 at my first consult and 35 when I had gastric bypass surgery. Generally the guidelines are that you are a candidate for surgery if your BMI is >35 and comorbidities are present, if your BMI is >40 you are a candidate whether or not you have comorbidities. I made sure I stressed all my medical problems/comorbidiies when I went for my consult. I also documented my famility history of diabetes and heart disease. My insurance approved the surgery in less than three weeks, with no additional tests required. Hope this helps.
   — Jennifer L.

June 24, 2000
HI KELLY! I ALSO HAVE A BMI 37 I WORE MY ROOM MATES ANKLE WEIGHTS ON MY STOMACH. TO GET AN APPROVAL TO GO SEE DR FISHER. I WANT THE SURGERY ALSO.AND THE NURSE SAID IT LOOKS GOOD THAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS EASY TO WORK WITH.YEAH!!! I'M HOPING ITS TRUE,I GO BACK IN JULY 5 TO SUBMIT TO INSURANCE COMPANY AND TO MAKE SURE THIS IS WHAT I WANT AND THAT I AM FULLY AWARE OF ALL THE DANGERS.I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL AND THATS GOING TO HELP. DONT GIVE UP EVEN IF YOUR DENNIED ALOT OF PEOPLE WERE DENNIED A FEW TIMES BEFORE APPROVED.GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS
   — LAURA B.

August 12, 2002
Hi kelly, I feel like I am in the same boat as you. My BMI is 33-34 & I think I will have to gain soem weight to get approved. I also feel that this is my last hope. I have been battling this weight problem all of my life. I know that I will continue to gain weight if I don't do something about it now. Good luck!
   — amy M.

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