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Cheating the consultation scale...

msjoy83

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kitten22996    36

kitten22996
Posted

I was approved for surgery with only a BMI of 35 because I have PCOS. Do you have any comorbidities? Diabetes? sleep apnea? etc. If so, you can qualify with a BMI under 40. Otherwise, if you are an otherwise "healthy" chunky person, 40 is the major number!

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

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msjoy83    42

msjoy83
Posted

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

Yea that would be me also healthy aside from the thyroids...which is not a comobidity

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msjoy83    42

msjoy83
Posted

Just an update went to my consultation and actually gained the 3 extra lbs I wanted to be a point over my borderline bmi...probably cuz of the 3 beenie bag weights in my bra and leaving my Uggs on lol. But hey 3 lbs is nothing when you're trying to lose at least 80lbs.

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rensterness    375

rensterness
Posted

I've read time and time again how some of us have had to resort to gaining an extra 5-10lbs in order to reach our bmi for insurance requirements. Maybe one day insurance companies will open their eyes and see just how much changes need to be made to their policy for wls approval...but until then let's share our ways of cheating the consultation scale. My bmi is directly borderline, my consultation is March 13th. So yes I may need a way to grab an extra 3-5lbs by then....

My doctors does not do a gown. Put rolls of quarters in your pocket and if gown is required place the rolls of quarters underneath your breast in a bra. There's my two cents lol

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karensdRN    13

karensdRN
Posted

I was actually told ti make pockets heavy. Bmi of 37 with mild sleep apnea. I got weighed once a month for six months. Gained a few myself but by the last weigh in had 2 two pound weights in my jacket pocket. Was approved. Surgery on April 4th!

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SnohoGal98296    371

SnohoGal98296
Posted

I am so on board for the "why do our insurance companies not get it?" question, driving the need for people to gain weight for insurance acceptance!

Being in the middle of the scale, the "don't gain any weight or your surgery will have to be in a hospital" area, I just wish all health insurance covered the surgery especially since it is acknowledged that this procedure saves the insurance companies money in the long run.

Hopefully they catch on soon!

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shaylab0    0

shaylab0
Posted

Thank you all for these posts very helpful :) but I have a question....I see other people posting on threads that insurance companies want your past weights from as far back as 5 years?! is this true? Do any of you know if insurance companies want past weight records?? If so, I am worried I wont qualify, my BMI is just over 43 now but in the past it has been a little lower because I have lost weight on my own then gained, lost and gained...you get it....help :(

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Seela    1,187

Seela
Posted

Thank you all for these posts very helpful :) but I have a question....I see other people posting on threads that insurance companies want your past weights from as far back as 5 years?! is this true? Do any of you know if insurance companies want past weight records?? If so, I am worried I wont qualify, my BMI is just over 43 now but in the past it has been a little lower because I have lost weight on my own then gained, lost and gained...you get it....help :(

Me too. My insurance wanted a history of weight loss attempts but I don't think they actually looked into it. For me I put weight watchers, lost 40 lbs, gained it back. HerbalLife, lost 43lbs, gained it back, Jenny Craig, lost 10 measly lbs, gained back 15 lbs... seemed to be all they needed

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leimua    7

leimua
Posted

I was approved for surgery with only a BMI of 35 because I have PCOS. Do you have any comorbidities? Diabetes? sleep apnea? etc. If so, you can qualify with a BMI under 40. Otherwise, if you are an otherwise "healthy" chunky person, 40 is the major number!

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

. This is me!! My BMI right now is 39. I've been eating to much to gain about 5 lbs to ensure my 49 BMI. I'm actually getting disgusted lol and everyday I weigh my self I'm not gaining a single pound!!! Two weeks of eating real crap and nothing. Lol such a conspiracy!! When I want to lose I gain, when I actually want to gain to stay even. What the heck lol

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leimua    7

leimua
Posted

I was approved for surgery with only a BMI of 35 because I have PCOS. Do you have any comorbidities? Diabetes? sleep apnea? etc. If so, you can qualify with a BMI under 40. Otherwise, if you are an otherwise "healthy" chunky person, 40 is the major number!

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

. This is me!! My BMI right now is 39. I've been eating to much to gain about 5 lbs to ensure my 49 BMI. I'm actually getting disgusted lol and everyday I weigh my self I'm not gaining a single pound!!! Two weeks of eating real crap and nothing. Lol such a conspiracy!! When I want to lose I gain, when I actually want to gain to stay even. What the heck lol
. 40 not 49!

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Bufflehead    6,358

Bufflehead
Posted

@@shaylab0 insurance companies and plans really vary in their requirements. My insurance company required a one year history on BMI, not five years. You should have a written booklet (or .pdf) with "Member Benefits" or something like that as a title, and it should spell out all the requirements for bariatric surgery under your specific plan. If it doesn't, get in touch with your insurance company and request a copy of the requirements for your specific plan in writing.

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leimua    7

leimua
Posted

I actually had some good news. I called my surgeons office and the nurse said if I reach the 40 BMI they can use that for the packet to send to insurance. I was at 38.96 at consult. A 4 lb gain puts me at 40. I'm glad. I was thinking I would have to gain the 4lbs and start at another office. Sucks you gotta gain to make a point and a half difference on a BMI to qualify. Insurance games : /

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CrazyJaney    775

CrazyJaney
Posted

You could always take your lead from a drugs mule... Strap flat packets filled with lead filings around your middle with an ace bandage. Flat, form fitting, effective. Or, depending on your <coughs> crevices, you could always wrap a load of lead filings into a couple of condoms and shove it where the sun doesn't shine?! LOL and I am seriously joking about that! :blink:

I almost spit my Protein Drink out!! I love your posts Madame! Makes me wonder what EXACTLY you do for a living! :)

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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