what to tell the surgeon?

[pleezeSleeve 50]

Hello to all my sisters & brothers of WLS,

I am slightly new here. I have been browsing this forum as a guest for a few months and finally made my own account because I finally decided that the VSG is right for me. I am still in the early, early stages of this journey, but very excited... eager... nervous... all the above! & I need your help, please!! So far, I have only gotten the referral to the bariatric surgeon from my PCP & they require that I attend an orientation which will be held next week. SUPER EXCITED to get this ball rolling.

A little info about me: I am 26yrs old. I have a 4yr old son delivered via C-section. I am a medical assistant/group facilitator for a prenatal group in which we teach patients a bunch of stuff about pregnancy, labor, and post partum. (we also talk about health & nutrition in one of the sessions) which is extremely uncomfortable/embarrassing for me because here I am, sitting at 290lbs while trying to teach women about eating right lol. I am the heaviest in our department, but that's just a teeny tiny reason of why I really want this surgery.

I need your advice: My BMI is 44.7. I have no medical issues, except for being obese. My ankles hurt and so does my lower back because of this. I also snore. I have struggled with my weight for years. I have been overweight since 3rd grade. At age 15 is when I started trying to do something about it. I tried everything. OTC weightloss pills, prescribed weightloss pills (Qsymia), I've done juicing, I've done calorie counting, low carb, meatless diets, intermittent fasting, you name it. I have successfully lost 50 pounds over a 2 year period but guess what? I gained 67 pounds back. I'm nervous as hell. I don't know what to even tell the surgeon! I don't know if he is going to tell me to try do it on my own again since I lost 50 pounds before. I don't know if I should even tell him that I've successfully lost weight in the past. (even at a snail's pace) I'm not sure if my BMI is enough to qualify me since I'm otherwise healthy. Not saying that's a bad thing- but I feel without a medical issue, I'm not a favored candidate. I believe my insurance will cover. I think I'm just nervous that the surgeon is going to say I'm young enough and healthy enough to lose the weight on my own and I think I will just pass out right there in his office lol.

Please, can someone let me know how they were approved without any medical issues? Or what have you heard from success stories here? What should I tell the surgeon? & What do you think they will say about my weightloss/gain history? Thanks a bunch!! All responses are appreciated.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

well, the pain in your body is going to be considered as a medical issue, and the snoring might be also. However, I think for most insurance companies your BMI should get you approved even without them.

Let us know what you learn at the consult! at my consult we sat down with the insurance referral person and they told us what our requirements would be.

[KristenLe 5,979]

Be honest with your surgeon. Most of us have lost weight and gained it back. It's very unlikely the surgeon will tell you you're not a good surgical candidate. Your BMI alone qualifies you. They also want to see you've attempted non surgical weight loss. Good luck! I wish I did this at your age!

Edited June 15, 2016 by KristenLe

[onehappychick 45]

At my informational seminar the doctor told us it is almost impossible to lose weight and keep it off if you are morbidly obese. If your BMI is over 40 you will qualify. My BMI was 34.7 but I qualified because of hypertension, knee pain, high cholesterol. Good luck in your journey! I am one week out and feel great!!! No regrets!

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[ChristinasSleeveStory 44]

I am 33 and I was in the same boat ... No real medical issues (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc) but my BMI is 50.

What you will probably/maybe find out through your sleep study clearance (if you're snoring loud enough) that you have sleep apnea.

Depression is also a qualifying factor. And I have that too.

But if your PCP approves, then you should be golden away. I think. I'm not an expert

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[Valentina 2,642]

I called my insurance company first to see what their requirements were and if I met them. Then I made an appointment with a bariatric surgeon.

Of course, keep in mind that that was almost 6yrs ago and things change.

It's like looking for a new car. What's the sense of looking if you can't afford one?

Once you meet with the surgeon just answer his questions--honestly and to the point. That way you will always tell the same answers.

Good luck and let us know how your journey is progressing.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

You're the perfect WLS candidate.

Really.

I'm not kidding.

Congratulations.

[losingtheselumps 93]

Hello and welcome! I was like you. 290 pounds with no medical issues, just overweight. Don't be nervous to tell your doctor about previous weight loss attempts. That just shows the struggle you've had for years with the up's and down's of your weight. He isn't going to say you shouldn't have it because of that. Telling him everything you have tried to do to lose weight will help him understand your struggle. I was approved with no problem after I met all of their requirements. Good luck with your journey!

[losingtheselumps 93]

@@Valentina I did the same thing this January;) Not much has changed. I called my insurance and found out requirements and price, found a doc I like, set up an appointment and was good to go.

[Kindle 8,667]

Sounds like you are a typical WLS patient. Tell the surgeon exactly what you told us. I'm sure he's heard it a hundred times. My BMI was lower than yours, I had no serious medical issues besides slightly elevated BP and painful feet, ankles and knees. I'd lost lots of weight but gained it all back and then some MULTIPLE TIMES. But with VSG, all my pain is gone, BP is actually on the low side, and I'm keeping the weight off this time.

If you are psychologically/mentally ready to commit to the changes you need to make, WLS could be just what the doctor ordered for you! Oh yeah, and usually with a BMI over 40 you don't necessarily need any comorbidities to qualify . They may, however, require a 2-3 year weight history (from doctor visits, weight watchers, etc) as well as a 6 month supervised diet prior to surgery approval.

[pleezeSleeve 50]

omgsh you ladies are giving me life right now! I have been nervous for weeks. I appreciate you all so, so much. Is he going to wanna know WHY I gained it back? like- if I'm so mentally ready, why did I not stick to my plan then? Idk, I may be way over thinking this! I know that I am mentally ready for this though and the sleeve would be just the tool I need to make it a LIFESTYLE change. so I can keep the weight off this time and not slip back into old habits. Just hoping I don't say the wrong thing like- I gained it back because I love food or something lmao.

[KristenLe 5,979]

He's not going to ask - he knows why you gained it back...why we all gained it back.

[pleezeSleeve 50]

*hugs all* that's reassuring.

did anyone else have to attend the required orientation before seeing the surgeon?

about how long after the orientation did you have to wait until you met with the surgeon?

I guess maybe it depends on the doctor's availability? or is there another process.

I have United Healthcare.

[Deletemyacct 39]

Hi, I'm new the journey as well. (I originally went to an out of network place a mth ago but, now restarting with an in-network surgeon) I went to his seminar last Tuesday (6/7) & I have my first appointment next Wednesday (6/22).

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[KristenLe 5,979]

@@pleezeSleeve I had to do the seminar - had an appointment with surgeon following week. I started at the end of March and will probably wait until late August or September for surgery (had a waiting period for insurance).