Not sure if ill be a candidate

[Nickynurse]

Hi everyone. Im new here. Im from Melbourne. Ive decided that i want to get the sleeve but im not 100% sure ill be a candidate. Im 169cm and approx 100kg. My BMI is around 35 but i dont look massive. I feel it though.I feel disgusting. I suffer from asthma and GORD. I have back issues and shoulder issues which make exercising difficult. I have tried to loose the weight countless other ways. I need to get a referral but im worried my GP wont give me one as he is kind of a dick. It took almost 7 years to get a referral to a pain specialist!
Any advice would be awesome!!

[Donald G]

Welcome wish I had some advice to give you but I'm not at all familiar with your countries standards I would suggest getting a new GP if that's possible.

[Sandra3]

Hey Nicky,
I understand where you're coming from, being overweight is pain at any weight. And there's a direct link between asthma and obesity.
But in many countries to be accepted you need to have a BMI higher than 40 or lower with two morbidities. So you might need to go self pay?
Also, after a sleeve you cant' take NSAID's, so if you need to take those for the pain that could be an issue.
I saw two colleagues of a friend getting a sleeve with a "lower BMI", right now they are bones and skin. So it's also why the higher BMI is required. Because for a few people they could lose too much.
Can you have direct access to a bariatric surgeon? it could be worth it to pay for a private consult but have advice from a professional.
Good luck and take care!

[Christie13]

I would think that with at BMI of 35 and having the 2 comorbidities you would qualify but it all varies by insurance. Good luck to you.

[Sandra3]

I would think that with at BMI of 35 and having the 2 comorbidities you would qualify but it all varies by insurance. Good luck to you.

The problem is that in many cases asthma is not considered a comorbidity (I know stupid right!) and for sure GERD is not one.