I weigh roughly 190 lbs and I am 5'2". Can I get a Gastric Bypass surgery?

Question

I have severe back pain and knee pain as a result of my weight. At night I can't sleep on my back because I can't breathe and the weight of my stomach puts pressure on my bladder. I take trips to the bathroom every ten minutes while I'm trying to fall asleep. I have very low energy because my body hurts and I never get good sleep. I'm afraid I am not heavy enough and will be told to do normal dieting. It is a struggle to just maintain my weight and if I don't get help I know I will gain more.

Donald Waldrep, MD · Answer

Klhan, You may be a candidate for surgery, despite your BMI. A weight loss surgeon in your area (Germany?) can tell you more specifically about whether you are - or whether she/he considers you to be - a candidate for surgery. You do have a set of symptoms that could certainly be related to extra body weight, but would best be evaluated by medical specialists to rule out conditions that may not require surgery. There is a spectrum of surgical techniques that differ in level of complexity (bypass, sleeve, band, plication) that may be available to you, even at your current BMI. Donald J Waldrep, MD, FACS, FASMBSWeight Loss SurgeryBeverly Hills and Thousand Oaks, CA

Jedediah Kaufman, MD · Answer

Great questions.The symptoms you describe include what sounds like sleep apnea.  I would definitely get tested because if you have insurance that covers bariatric surgery that and other medical problems like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can make you eligible around your weight.  If you are exactly 190# and 5'2" then your BMI is 34.7.  Most insurance companies, if they do cover bariatric surgery, require a patient to have a BMI over 40 or between 35 and 40 with medical conditions related to obesity like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, early arthritis, high cholesterol and others.  I suggest you see first your primary care doctor and get tested and then a large bariatric center.  Another good option for you is the sleeve gastrectomy.  It's a bit more simple in how it's done, doesn't require bowel re-routing and is faster in the operating room.  Usually it's better tolerated and in good programs with long follow up with a dietician and if you are willing to exercise and be very compliant with the food program you can lose around the same amount of weight.  Weight loss surgery is only a tool that you can use and won't do the weight loss for you.  It certainly does make it easier.  Some people "self-pay" for weight loss surgery and this option does work however it must be approached with knowledge that future complications of the operation are often also "self-pay".  I would definitely talk to a bariatric surgery program as they often have insurance specialists who can help you figure out if you have coverage and the costs associated with the operation if you are a candidate.  Good luck.

I weigh roughly 190 lbs and I am 5'2". Can I get a Gastric Bypass surgery?

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