Has anyone gained weight intentionally to qaulify for surgery?

I've done nutritional counseling, had my psychiatric evaluation and finally go meet the surgeon next month. Originally I thought I would qualify with a 35 BMI and 2 co morbidities. It turns out I don't have sleep apnea although it was highly suspected. So I stuffed my pockets full of batteries, wore the heaviest jewelry I own and a few other things to get my weight up so I would hit the bmi of 40.

This is stupid, trying to gain weight! The past few months I've allowed myself to eat whatever I want. I feel disgusting and hardly recognize myself. I keep reminding myself of my ultimate goal.

My worry is that now instead of getting mentally prepared for the lifestyle changes, I've just gotten myself further addicted to food and sugar.

Has anyone been there, done that? I know it's going to be hell the first week or two just detoxing from all of the poison (candy) I've been stuffing my face with. Is there anything that helps so I won't cave?

Thanks in advance!

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In my opinion you're going down a very difficult path. Please reconsider.

I second DalCruse. Please reconsider!

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Edited December 26, 20169 yr by DCast78

If your BMI is low why consider this , just wondering ?

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I understand why you are doing what you are doing. Desperation can lead to some whacked out decision making, but I definitely wouldn't advertise insurance fraud on a public web site.

I was around 36 or 37 BMI when my primary care doctor suggested I gain weight to get to 40 BMI to have a revision from band to RNY. When I first weighed in I was instructed not to gain any more weight- but also not to lose any!

It's HARD to stay at 40 legitimately. Weighing down your pockets... That's a dangerous game to play.

Let me explain better. For the past 2 years I've continued to gain weight. I'm very active and suffer multiple problems from the extra pounds. My bmi is a 40 but when I first started going to the bariatric doc my bmi was 38. So yes, I weighted my pockets down to get the weight up on the scale that day. However, my weight is steadily climbing. I just want to get the help now before my body suffers any further problems. I'm in my 30s and where I'm on the lower end of the scale, I'm still morbidly obese and need to make changes NOW so I can be around for my family. I do appreciate all your concern.

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I considered it, to be honest. At the start of my 6 month program, they said I didn't have any co-morbidities that would qualify me. I was devastated. This has been a life-long battle, and the info about regaining weight being a survival instinct had just come out, leaving me feeling like surgery was my only chance to be healthy and feel good. It was only 15 pounds that I would have to gain -15 pounds was standing between me and surgery. I was totally going to do it because I'm tired of fighting on the losing side-for once I wanted the advantage. Turns out I have sleep apnea, but if I didn't, I would have been in your position. And for those thinking 35 is such a low bmi, it's still obese.

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That sounds like my exact thoughts!

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I am private pay, and the threshold is BMI 30. Research I've seen says they are getting very good results with the sleeve and people at BMI 30-35. I wonder if the insurance threshold will continue to drop over the years--it has so far. After 40 years of gaining and losing, with the ceiling going up each time, I finally stopped fighting and let the last 5 pounds come on, knowing I would then qualify. I'm sure most people would say I don't need this. Mostly because I'm fortunate to store fat all over my body and it's not as obvious. Until pain in my back, knees, ankles reminds me I'm carrying an extra 60-80 pounds around again.

I know the surgery is only a tool, and I have appointments to start work with a psychologist and a nutritionist. And I'll be attending support group meetings and continuing to read on this forum. Much to learn.

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I am private pay, and the threshold is BMI 30. Research I've seen says they are getting very good results with the sleeve and people at BMI 30-35. I wonder if the insurance threshold will continue to drop over the years--it has so far. After 40 years of gaining and losing, with the ceiling going up each time, I finally stopped fighting and let the last 5 pounds come on, knowing I would then qualify. I'm sure most people would say I don't need this. Mostly because I'm fortunate to store fat all over my body and it's not as obvious. Until pain in my back, knees, ankles reminds me I'm carrying an extra 60-80 pounds around again.

I know the surgery is only a tool, and I have appointments to start work with a psychologist and a nutritionist. And I'll be attending support group meetings and continuing to read on this forum. Much to learn.

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One of the biggest reasons I want the surgery is for "the tool" I am very active in sports and fitness but due to all the weight it takes a huge toll on me physically. I think my physical fitness is what keeps my blood pressure down. I am excited to turn a new leaf and gain control. I'm hoping to have surg in jan, as I finally meet with the surgeon

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I gained weight (about 10#'s) to qualify for surgery. I have been bouncing around 240 and 220 for over 2 years. I was at 243 at the my first visit to bariatric department. 238 when I met with surgeon. He gave me a surgery goal weight of 227. I am currently at 225.1. I am now waiting for surgery date.

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I gained weight (about 10#'s) to qualify for surgery. I have been bouncing around 240 and 220 for over 2 years. I was at 243 at the my first visit to bariatric department. 238 when I met with surgeon. He gave me a surgery goal weight of 227. I am currently at 225.1. I am now waiting for surgery date.

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Oh wow! Congrats!!

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BMI with my insurance is 35.

BMI with my insurance is 35.

With most, according to my doctor's office, it is 35 with at least one comorbidity, 40 without.

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I purposely gained weight before my initial weight in to make sure that my BMI was at or over 40. I only had to gain about 5 or 6 pounds but I was feeling the exact same way after eating like garbage for weeks. Luckily my pre-op diet (not a liquid diet) started right after orientation and I was back to eating healthy and feeling better. My starting weight is what counts (insurance wise) so I'm not too worried about my BMI going below 40 before surgery. It sucks that some people actually have to do this in order to get the help we need.

From what I've read on here some people have had luck qualifying for surgery with a BMI below 40 w/no other health issues but every insurance is different.

Do what you think is best for you. If you can manage to not completely self-sabotage then go ahead and keep trying to gain. I would try a healthier approach to gaining weight like body builders do. I realized before it was too late that there are better ways to gain than eating junk 24/7.