Hi, my name is Dariel and I'm 19 years old. I've been thinking about getting surgery for a while, I've been overweight much of my life. I'm not going to lie and say that some part of me doesn't want it for cosmetic reasons but it's mostly because I dont feel comfortable with myself anymore. I'm not able to do many of the things that I once enjoyed because I'm simply too heavy, things like wearing heels out becomes a painful activity and I can't dance the way I used to either, I've lost flexibility and stamina. My problem is, this seems to be the one thing I've ever been TOO skinny for. I'm 5'2" and at this point around 214 lbs. which puts me at a bmi of 39.5, just .5 away from the required 40. I would be willing to gain the weight to lose it again if the waiting process wasn't so long. I would like to be able to lose weight in the process but I'd hate to go in and find that they simply can't do it. Any suggestions? I've thought about self-paying but I am a college student and I just dont think I can afford it.

Thanks so much,

Dariel

Is the 40 BMI your insurance co's requirement or your surgeon's? And do they take into consideration any co-morbidities (health issues caused by being overweight). Many people have received approval because of elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, even depression, etc.

Whatever it takes, I hope you can get control of your weight while you are still young. There is so much pressure on young people to fit the mold now that it is sad. But what's even sadder is the limitations that it puts on your life, as you are already seeing. I am very sad when I think of all the years of fun and great experiences I cheated myself and my family out of because "Mama can't do that, ya know".

Best wishes to you, sweetie........