Question:
Getting Scared...Needing Advice...Your Feedback Please

Hello :) I went to see the WLS surg, I a boarder line for him to do surg. He wanted to see me after digging up what comorbs I have... I go see him again on Monday. I have went to see the nero, uro, ortho, and my pcp. Pcp is sending a letter of recommendation to WLS doc. Nero says I have a bulging disk, uro wants to put a sling on my bladder/urethra for stress incont, my ortho is trying to figure out what is wrong with my knee. They took an xray and found that I might have "runners knee" (even though I don't run). They have me on an anti-inflam and then gave a cortizone shot under the knee cap. I also have constant heartburn, and am on depression medication. I have a sheet from my bio father stating the family history on his side (which has obesity) and then from my birth mom showing her side of the family (again obesity). Are these the kind of comorbs he is looking for? I am 240 (hoping to weigh in with shoes and heavy clothes at 243 or so. I am 5'6" tall. I am scared these wont be enough in his book. Any advice, help, or words to arm myself with would be a BIG help. Again thanks for the time it took to read and think about me....another fat friend :)    — Nicole R. (posted on April 4, 2003)

April 3, 2003
I was 255 and 5'6" the day of my surgery with a comorbidity of high blood pressure and sleep apnea. The doctor had no problem doing the surgery and the insurance approved (BCBS PPO) right away. The doctor is interested in helping you so I don't think he will have trouble okaying you for surgery. Good luck.
   — Stacey F.

April 4, 2003
Hi. I was 247 and 5'6 the day I had my consult (259 day of surgery! Grrr last minute meals) My comorbids were stress incont , knee pain and back pain. I also had high cholesterol and 3 diabetic preganancies. Nothing major but my approval was fast. Good luck and it sounds like your doc is willing to work with you. Wendy
   — Wendy H.

April 4, 2003
At 243, you would have a bmi of 39.2 and that is pretty darn close to 40, which is normally the bmi that the insurance companies allow without co-morbidities. It sounds like you have done your homework and you do have co-morbidities which are caused by your weight, which is usually the criteria that the insurance companies look for with bmi's under 40. I don't think with your homework, that you will have a problem with the surgeon or insurance company approval. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

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