Question:
I am interested in having by-pass surgery.
I have had two PCPs say no to a referral. My BMI is 35 at this time I don't have anyother major health problems. I have tried every diet known to man kind. I went to Johns Hopkins weight center and they want you to eat 1200 calories a day. I cant do it I was starving. Some see the surgery as a cop out. I have watch programs on Gastric by-pass and think it is for me. How do I convince a PCP? Please help. I am so depressed. — carolyn D. (posted on August 20, 2002)
August 20, 2002
Your a little low for surgery. You could always self pay I am certain a
surgeon can be found. You might look into the lap band, there was talk
awhile ago it might be used for cases like this.Very low risk and
reversible. I feel for you, have you seen a surgeon or attended a local
support group meeting and asked this question. I guess your in NY with your
private profile.
— bob-haller
August 20, 2002
Gain enough weight to put your BMI above 40? 35 is a little low-the usual
rule is a bmi of over 40 or just under 40 with co-morbidities...do you have
back or knee problems from your weight? Aggravated asthma? Anything?
— Cindy R.
August 20, 2002
Sorry folks, but I have to disagree!! When I started my WLS journey my BMI
was only 35 with sleep apnea being my only comorbid. It all depends on
your insurance. Aetna states very clear that it will cover gastric bypass
with a BMI of 40+ with no comorbids or a BMI of 35+ with a serious
comorbid. I am now 10 months post and already at goal. I have lost 96
pounds. I am 5'7" and started at 230, I am now 134. My PCP also
refused to refer me to a surgeon so I changed PCP's. My surgeons office
gave me the name of a WLS friendly PCP. I say go for it!!!
— skymaxjr
August 20, 2002
Carolyn, I had to gain about 10 pounds. I ate and ate, until I thought I
couldn't eat anymore and got to my 40 bmi. I also know a lady, (I found
this out afterwards) that put those exercise weights in her bra when she
got weighed LOL (p.s. she still got denied). I knew this surgery was for
me, and would take drastic measures if I knew I needed them! -103# Good
Luck!
— Sherry C.
December 16, 2008
I felt the same way until my aunt explained to me that the surgery is not
an answer, but a tool. It is a way to help you lose some of the weight, but
you still have to get to the root of the problem that causes you to over
eat.
My sister has the lap band surgey done in Houston and she has been my line
of support. She says that the surgery helped her to lose a lot of weight,
but she still had to learn to eat right, exercise and deal with her every
day problems. She said having the surgery has freed her to go on with her
in a thinner body. It makes her feel good that she can cross her legs!
I want to have this surgery and I am blessed that I was approved this year.
I have been praying every step of the way and I can't wait to start my
classes in February.
My family and church members support me as well, so if you can find those
who support you, do that. Don't worry about what others say; only you know
if the surgery is right for you. I am doing it for the sake of my son who
is only 2 1/2. I had him at an older age in life and I want to be here to
watch and help him grow. I want to be able to run with him and play with
him. It hurts me when he watches me have to rest while going up a flight of
stairs. He is a precious boy and he deserves a healthy mom. ~Kimme~
— kimme2008
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