I'm nervous. I have met with my PCP who has recommended me for a surgery. He calculated me at 239 lbs (but I WAS holding my bag and wearing many layers). At home I weigh 227lbs. I am 5'4". This puts me at a BMI of 39. I will be devastated if I go to my appointment and they turn me down over a few pounds. Ugh

being heavier is better

but...it's not just your weight and bmi...it's any co-morbidities...and your "diet" history... don't get discouraged...time will tell...but waiting is the hardest part!

Good luck to you!

I had to have over 40 BMI I was denied the first time at 39 BMI and had to gain a little to qualify... Enjoy the gaining a few pounds its worth it at the end.

@@bangbangbarbie Eat! Drink lots of water! Buy some lead undies (lol). They usually do want you at 40 BMI without co-morbids but it also depends on your insurance co. I've even heard of people putting wrist weights in their bra lol!! Ps that would be cheating....I'm not telling you to cheat

First, let me say THANK YOU to you all for responding. It really helps alleviate my worries knowing I have such a great community to turn to.

I need this procedure. I really do. I've struggled with weight my whole life and I truly do want to use this experience as a jumpstart to a healthier, fitter lifestyle. I DO want to eat healthy and I DO work out.

Ugh, to be so close! I'm at 227, and according to the calculator, I have to weigh 233 to get a 40 BMI at my height. I can gain 6 lbs! But it will take a little while... GROAN! How do they weigh you? In a gown, or in clothes?

Is it reeeeally cheating if I'm so close? haha

@@bangbangbarbie Who is your insurance carrier? Do you have any of the co-morbidities that insurance companies look for in lower BMI patients, (sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)?

Anytime I eat carbs with my dinner, I will gain three pounds overnight. Ironically, it takes me three weeks to get those pounds back off. Ugh!

I went to the bariatric clinic at 5'4" at 235 pounds....BMI 40.1, and I had many co-morbidities. The bariatrician told me that no matter how much I lose on the three month supervised diet, they will record my beginning weight when the submit my packet to the insurance company. Here is a list of co-morbidities that insurance pencil pushers look for:

Obesity Comorbidities

To follow is a list of comorbidities (additional conditions or diseases) related to obesity which may help you in qualifying for weight loss surgery. It is from nih.gov

• Family history of heart disease
• Family history of stroke
• Family history of diabetes
• Family history of heart attacks
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Coronary-artery disease
• Hypertension
• Migraines or headaches directly related to obesity or cranial hypertension
• Congestive heart failure
• Neoplasia
• Dyslipidemia
• Anemia
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative arthritis
• Degenerative disc
• Degenerative joint disease
• Recommended joint replacement from specialist
• Accelerated degenerative joint disease
• Asthma
• Repeated pneumonia
• Repeated pleurisy
• Repeated bronchitis
• Lung restriction
• Gastroesophageal reflex (GERD)
• Excess facial & body hair (Hirsutism)
• Rashes
• Chronic skin infections
• Excess sweating
• Frequent yeast infections
• Urinary stress incontinence
• Menstrual irregularity
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Polycystic ovaries
• Infertility
• Carcinoma (breast, colon, uterine cancer)
• sleep apnea
• Pseudotumor cerebri
• Depression
• Psychological/sexual dysfunction
• Social discrimination
• Premature death in the immediate family
  

I was 10 pounds off and loved Taco Bell for 2 weeks and kept my clothes and always wore my hoodie with my bottle of Water full in it and my keys since I did not have my purse with me. There are ways to get to what you need to be, and I was the same I struggled all my life... After my baby it just got out of control. Now I finally feel like I have control and the food is only a source for my body to be Healthy..

I do not have any comorbidities at this point other than depression and a history of diabetes in my family. My BP is good and I am otherwise very healthy. I can say firmly that my weight has contributed hugely to my depression. I have been seeing someone for a few months and am on antidepressants. Will this help my case?

I have Independent Health.

Sorry to ask again, but do they weigh you with a gown or clothes on at the surgeon's office? Thank you all AGAIN! It sounds like I need to get to that 40BMI. The thing is-- I'm not trying to rush it but I am still on my parent's insurance until I'm 26 (that's 8 months). So I am trying to push this along so I can have the procedure under my parents' coverage, which will be undoubtedly way better than anything I'll get (i'm a student/EMT/server).

Edited November 24, 201411 yr by bangbangbarbie

I was always clothed even when I went for the surgery.. I would push this along sooner then later since you have a short window. This took me 6 months to get done and sometimes it can take longer...

There's irony in having to gain weight to get this thing lol...

On my way to Chipotle? haha

8 months is a short window to work with. I also would push it along and make sure you get everything done ASAP. Getting ready for the procedure can take some time.

If it helps any, I was always weighed fully dressed, even when I was wearing my winter boots.

You also can weigh holding your purse (& 5lb ankle weights work like a dream!) They don't do a purse check.

I agree with ankle weights, great idea.

1) Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes and 2) Scrunch/slouch down a little when they measure you. If you can be an inch shorter than you should be fine to qualify. This really works!!

I was weighed fully dressed and I did not take off my shoes. I just squeaked by the minimum bmi of 40. Wear heavy jeans if you can. I wore my Uggs which are heavy. A roll of quarters in each pocket??? ; )

If you are that close, honestly I would say gain a few pounds...we are all experts on how to do that!

Just an FYI.....many people say the insurance companies take your starting weight but my surgeon told me not to lose any weight at all because I was so close and he didn't want to risk it if one of my weigh ins I dropped below a 40 bmi.

Good luck, I hope all goes well.