How Do They Weigh You?

[Comfy_Blue 285]

Hello All,

I would really appreciate any advice or answers to my questions because I'm getting very nervous.

I'm submitting all my paperwork and going to my initial consultation with the surgeon on Friday. I am feeling nervous about my weight because I am on the "lighter" side of heavy. I'm 5'5, 240lbs and even though my knees and hips are killing me, my weight has caused my arches to fall(which means I wear orthodics 24/7 and cannot go barefoot without pain in my knees and hips) I get winded easily and I wear a size 18/20, when I calculate my BMI, it says I am a 39.9 BMI which is so close, yet so far from 40BMI.

My mom says not to worry, that I should keep my shoes on when they weigh me and with my clothes, I'll definately be closer to 40.

So anyway, what I'm wondering is:

1. How do they weigh you? Are you allowed to keeep on your shoes and clothes? Or do you get barefoot and in a gown?

2. Do they weigh you and then deduct 2 - 5 lbs for your clothes and shoes?

3. Did they use an old fashioned scale (the kind where you move the large piece across) or an electronic one that sends a pulse through your body to check your weight?

4. Has anyone ever been denied for being only slightly under like me?

5. Did they check your height?

[hannarbrts 2]

Every doctor is different. I also was around 39 when I started.

They let me keep my clothes on, shoes on, etc. it was an electric one, not old fashioned.

My surgeon originally considered denying me because I'm only 20 and was slightly under the cut off. After that, I made it a point to never weigh less than a 40 BMI

[ih8fat 17]

My surgeon's office just had me step on the scale (I didn't have to remove shoes or any clothing for it). If you're worried, just wear heavy jeans and a sweater (if you're in a cooler climate). You could also drink a lot of Water beforehand -- that might help boost the weight (although you may need to go to the bathroom immediately after your appt!) Is your appointment in the afternoon? A lot of times we weigh more later in the day. Good luck! I'm sure you'll be fine!

[VSG AJH 499]

I was worried I would be slightly under as I don't have any of the comorbidities insurance requires. I just happened to have an after-lunch appointment at the surgeon's office, so I ate a big Breakfast and a heavy lunch of steak and cheese fries, and I drank gallons of Water. I felt absolutely miserable, but I weighed enough on that day to fall into that automatic approval range. As it turned out, I would have weighed enough without that disgusting lunch, but I was terrified to come in at 39.9 and be denied.

[ih8fat 17]

Just checking in to see how your weigh-in went? Hope it went well!

[Comfy_Blue 285]

Thank you both so much for your replies. I think I was worried for nothing. When I got there, the nurse led me to a large, electronic scale (it had handles on either side and kind of reminded me of what they weighed my dog on at the Vet's). She said I could take off my shoes or keep them on. I opted to keep them off. My weight was 244lbs (never thought I'd be HAPPY to be heavier than expected. lol) which put my BMI at something like 240.4 which means I am heavy enough! WHOO HOO!!!

[re14768 72]

I was Soooooo happy to weight in at a BMI of 40.07...never in a million years I thought I would be happy to weight heavy. Usually I'm embarrassed to get on the scale at doc office. .life is so funny. .glad I was fat enough to qualify, since I have no health issues. Just thyroid, joint pain.

[re14768 72]

I was Soooooo happy to weight in at a BMI of 40.07...never in a million years I thought I would be happy to weight heavy. Usually I'm embarrassed to get on the scale at doc office. .life is so funny. .glad I was fat enough to qualify, since I have no health issues. Just thyroid, joint pain.

[re14768 72]

I was Soooooo happy to weight in at a BMI of 40.07...never in a million years I thought I would be happy to weight heavy. Usually I'm embarrassed to get on the scale at doc office. .life is so funny. .glad I was fat enough to qualify, since I have no health issues. Just thyroid, joint pain.

[Comfy_Blue 285]

@Re147: I know exactly what you mean! When I got on the scale, I kept praying and praying that my weight would be high enough. It's so weird because I am about 90 - 100lbs overweight, but if I had gone in 2 months ago (my weight had dropped to 235 - 238lbs) I probably would have been denied. I feel like anyone that is nearly 100lbs overweight should qualify, but BCBS makes you jump through so many hoops.

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

That is so funny. it was my experience exactly. I spent the day and a half leading up to the appointment eating way too much and had a huge lunch on my way there. I made my 40 BMI by the skin of my teeth.

And I learned something. I hate eating that much food! I felt worse than after a big Thanksgiving--which I haven't done in years anyway. I felt like I was the only person in the history of WLS who was happy that the scale went up a few pounds.

[wildlyme 42]

My bmi is 36, but if there's a comorbidity like high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea you may qualify. It's all about what your insurance requires. Personally, I'd just gain a few pounds and hit the 40.

[AquariusDiva 15]

I am also just a couple of pounds shy of hitting 40 BMI, I do have high blood pressure, but I don't want to risk it , so I am eating 3 meals plus dessert all this week until my weight in.

[Comfy_Blue 285]

@Fluff: I did the exact same thing, except for a week leading up! It's surprising how hard it is to gain weight when you are actively trying. I also did not realize how much our weight flucuates throughout the day either. One day, I was 239 in the morning, 248 when I got home, then 244 right before bed

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

Of course I go in for my 4 week on Wednesday and will work hard not to resort back to the old WW weigh in tricks. I'm going to wear the same clothes as the last time just to be sure.