Question:
I'm 5'8, 220lbs and I have bad back pain, do you think I can qualify?
— Alicia P. (posted on December 28, 2004)
December 28, 2004
Hi, If you have had back pain for years and it has been doctor documented
and it is caused by you being overweight, then I see no reason why you
would not qualify for surgery. In my case I have a bad back but also high
blood pressure and high cholesteral so it put me on the danger list of a
stroke or a heart attack so I got approved pretty quick. Check with your
insurance and talk with your pcp that way you know what qualifications you
need. Good Luck on your journey.
— julez
December 28, 2004
bad back pain alone is not a comorb. A comorb is an illness that is life
threatening caused by your obesity. I could be wrong but i don't think you
would qualify. Good luck.
— Delores S.
December 28, 2004
I don't think you'll qualify. You are in the obese category. Most docs
& insurances require a minimum of 100 lbs overweight without co-morbs.
With co-morbs you can weigh less, but it is harder to get approved. Good
luck.
— Dedicated
December 28, 2004
The Federal regulations require at least a 35 BMI. Your profile indicates
yours is in the 32 range. So there is no legitimate doctor that would do
surgery on you. Even if your BMI is a 35 they would not do surgery because
it requires life threatening type illnesses to qualify for surgery under a
40 BMI, and back pain has an extremely low chance of qualifying. Things
like type 2 Diabetes that cannot be controlled; severe sleep apnea etc. At
5'8 and 220 lbs your back problems, just from the excess weight, should not
be such a major issue. Have you had your back thoroughly checked out, by a
neurologist, to make sure there are not some disc problems etc? Have you
had an MRI? I have severe degenerative disc disease in 4 vertebra but for
the most part the symptoms have been reasonably controlled with various
treatments. Since reaching goal my back problems are non-issues. Although
for me it was the PS that got rid of the excess skin and tightened the
abdominal muscles that helped the most. It would seem that there is
something way more than excess weight going on with your back. Granted I
am not a doctor and I have not seen you, just going by my gut reaction. I
am 5'9 and started at 442 lbs and now hang in the mid to high 190's. I
cannot even fathom seeking something as drastic as WLS at 5'8 and 220 lbs.
Sorry, but that's just my feelings. I hope you figure out what is wrong
with your back and can get some relief. Then maybe you will be able to
increase exercise to help you lose some weight. Good Luck!
— zoedogcbr
December 28, 2004
the OH bmi calculater puts you at 33.5. I think you should talk to your
doctor and see what they think. I honestly wish I could have had surgery
when my bmi was in the 33 range. Lord know I only went up from there.
— **willow**
December 29, 2004
THE DOCTORS TOLD ME YOU HAVE TO BE 100LBS OVER WEIGHT SO THAT MAKES IT A
HEALTH ISSURE SO YOU WILL NEED THE SURGERY. GOOD LUCK CAROLYN
— carolyn W.
December 29, 2004
I am 5 foot 6 and 214 pounds and I FEEL FABULOUS!!! I have lost 150
pounds. I truly beleive that at your (our) weight, it is time to diet and
exercise. This surgery should be reserved for those who are passed the
point of no return - not passed the point of "I just dont wanna diet
and exercise and take off 40 pounds!" Hop on it, girlfriend and get
that weight off before you end up being morbidly obese. My advise is to
count your blessings now and get your butt in gear!
Signed,
Kimberly - the woman who is jumpin for joy to be wearing a size 16!!!!
— MissKimberly
December 30, 2004
While I am trying to remain supportive and kind. . . 5'8" and 220
pounds. God, that is my GOAL weight. If I weighed that I would be so
thrilled. I am two weeks (plus a few days) post op and when I see people
who are less than 100 pounds over their ideal weight I think to myself. .
."if ONLY that few pounds was my problem."
I am not scoffing at your problems. I truly believe that being overweight
is an emotionally and physically hard thing to live and cope with.
I don't know how significant your back problems are but, at only 220, I
would start with going to a doctor and having your back checked out and go
from there. But, personally, at this point I think if you are still able
to function and at least do some non weight bearing exercise, you shoould
do that.
— Monica L.
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