Hi! I know this may sound strange but DID anyone have to gain a few pounds to qualify for the VSG? I've searched all over and can't seem to find my answer! I'm 5' 6" and weigh 216.2 My current BMI: is 34.9 I have been eating like crazy and the 1-2 pounds I need just will not stick. I currently have hypertension and high cholesteral. I have an appointment for Nov 20 so I'm really kinda anxious. Have you or someone you've known been through this? Thanks, Kim

<span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><em><strong>Hi! I know this may sound strange but DID anyone have to gain a few pounds to qualify for the VSG? I've searched all over and can't seem to find my answer! I'm 5' 6" and weigh 216.2 My current BMI: is 34.9 I have been eating like crazy and the 1-2 pounds I need just will not stick. I currently have hypertension and high cholesteral. I have an appointment for Nov 20 so I'm really kinda anxious. Have you or someone you've known been through this? Thanks, Kim</strong></em></span></span>

Yup. I had to gain 14lbs to meet the criteria. I just ate nothing but take-aways and it piled on. It seemed a really bizarre thing to have to do but I am now, 3 months out, 178lbs as opposed to 238lbs. So worth it. :-)

I had to get my BMI from 34 to at least 35, and over did it, getting to over 36. It wasn't hard at all for me - just happened when I stopped trying to eat less, as I had been doing for years. But it's long gone now.

Thanks, Chrissy & Susan! I knew I couldn't possibally (?) be the only one! Yum Yum here I come!! LOL

Yes! At the time I wasn't heavy enough but I had been yoyoing...so I had to gain 25 lbs. I did and am thankful I did it!

Yes, when I started, my BMI was 38, and I needed it to be 40 for insurance to cover it. I had to gain and maintain a few pounds in order to qualify. Luckily after the surgery, they fell right off. :-)

Lol....I was soooo tempted to wear my heavy shoes and lots of clothing. I wouldn't go as far as putting a lot of rocks in my pockets though. Turned out that I didn't need to. My BMI was 41. After my 6 month diet, it is 39.9, so I'm hoping that doesn't matter much.

I was curious as well. I am just starting doing research for WLS after a lifetime of being overweight. Right now I am going back and forth between which insurance will be best to use for WLS for both DH and I. Both insurance cover it, United Healthcare and Cigna, but I have heard that Cigna is easier.

That is not a problem for DH who has a BMI of 41, diabetes, high cholesterol, and severe sleep apnea so he would easily quailty under both insurances. I am right now closer to 39 - 39.5 BMI. And during the past 5 years, have generally been around 37-38. Lowest was 35.2 and that lasted about a month. Only have one co-morbibidty of high cholesterol for the last 4 years. I snore loudly, so I am hoping to have a sleep test and see if I also qualify for at least mild sleep apnea. But overall, I dont want to loose the chance - so I am considering adding a few pounds (about 5) and making sure my BMI is over 40. DH and I have a seminar and first consult next week.

I had lost 12 pounds dieting with WW for 7 months. I had to gain back 9 of those pounds to qualify.

The first time I went in to the surgeon's I wasn't heavy enough yet, so they just had me call and come back in when I thought I was ready. It took about 4 weeks for me to get there. I added liquid calories to put it on.

I will say that just the 9 extra pounds has made a big difference in how I feel and look (not good!). For some reason I wasn't expecting that.

Good luck!

Isn't this such a game. So much for early intervention and wellness promotion.

I'm having to do the same thing to qualify for insurance. I just hope that all this pays off. I haven't had my initial consult yet but I did speak to someone to get an appointment finally made. Maybe I need to start another topic but I wanted to know if there is anyone else out there 4'9 or around 5ft and trying to get one of these surgeries done. I'm 180lbs I have 5 more lbs to go to qualify with 40 bmi.

I'm having to do the same thing to qualify for insurance. I just hope that all this pays off. I haven't had my initial consult yet but I did speak to someone to get an appointment finally made. Maybe I need to start another topic but I wanted to know if there is anyone else out there 4'9 or around 5ft and trying to get one of these surgeries done. I'm 180lbs I have 5 more lbs to go to qualify with 40 bmi.

You can scrunch down when they do your height too... you can also wear ankle weights. .just sayin!

Lol thanks!!!

Yup, my bmi was only 39 at my gp. She wouldn't refer me til my bmi was 40. Of course, I kept eating until my bmi was 42...never give a food addict an inch, she'll take a mile!

Isn't this such a game. So much for early intervention and wellness promotion.

Susysleever...I so agree with you. The game is really getting to me. I am 5.9 and 240. when I went to the surgeons office in october to start my 3 months of Aetna insurance requirements and I has lost a few pounds on my first appt so I went in weighing on the low end of border line BMI but still there. Went for an appt the first of November and I gained 3 pounds and get told Aetna may deny me for gaining weight but then I am told by the nutritionist to not lose a bunch of weight or I will be under BMI. Oh My Gosh...REALLY!!!! now I have become a nervous wreck..what if I gain what if I lose??? What if I get denied over this crap?! its so frustrating and a stupid stupid game

Susysleever...I so agree with you. The game is really getting to me. I am 5.9 and 240. when I went to the surgeons office in october to start my 3 months of Aetna insurance requirements and I has lost a few pounds on my first appt so I went in weighing on the low end of border line BMI but still there. Went for an appt the first of November and I gained 3 pounds and get told Aetna may deny me for gaining weight but then I am told by the nutritionist to not lose a bunch of weight or I will be under BMI. Oh My Gosh...REALLY!!!! now I have become a nervous wreck..what if I gain what if I lose??? What if I get denied over this crap?! its so frustrating and a stupid stupid game

Thats why I am going to Mexico. Tired of waiting.