MsJen

Another thing I'm concerned about: I understand you have to join a weight loss program for 6 months. If I lose more than 30 pounds in that time, then my BMI will fall below the minimum allowed and they most likely won't do the surgery. All that time I would have spent going to doctors and getting all this paper work and stuff done and then they wouldn't do the surgery?! It's not the 30 I'm worried that I can't lose, it's the 100 past that!

@@slvarltx 78 pounds down! I'm so happy for you! And thanks for the input.

Am going to call after work. My GP has his own weight loss program/support group thingy so that's why he's not on board with anything else. It's just the "eat right/exercise" program, which never worked for me. I need something more tough than that. Thanks everyone!

Thanks for the quick reply! BCBS of AL does cover it. However, I did find this Documentation must support participation in the program for six consecutive months. The following criteria must be met for this participation: Documentation of participation in a physician supervised program of nutrition and increased physical activity (including dietitian consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity and behavioral modification). Documentation of program participation must appear in the medical record by the attending physician. Documentation should include comments by the physician regarding patient progress or lack of progress. A letter does not meet this requirement. There must be medical records to document medically supervised weight loss attempts; OR Acceptable with medical record documentation of medical supervision are: Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, Jenny Craig, EatRight etc. Not acceptable are self-directed programs such as joining a gym, Atkins’ diet, calorie counting, low fat, cutting back, internet programs, etc. So, if I'm reading this correctly, I do have to wait 6 months AND join a weight loss program?! Drat! That's why I need this surgery, cause I've tried all the other programs

He says it's an 'easy out' and won't generally approve them. I also kinda think it's cause he has his own weight loss company/group thingy.

Such as, I have read where you are required to see a couple of different types of doc's beforehand, to get approval. I'm freaking out cause what if one of them says no? Do I just find another one until someone says yes? My GP said no last year, he's not really cool about 'easy out's', as he calls them. Also, I've seen where people have to wait at least 6 months before their insurance will approve them. I have BCBS of AL, does anyone know if I would have to wait? Can anyone tell me anything else they think I should know? I'm just so excited, it's going to be a long month for me! Thanks y'all!

I am attending the seminar with Dr Malipur in Huntsville in a month. I understand that I have to make appointments with several different kinds of doctors. I also understand that some may not give approval for the surgery. Can anyone give advice on which doctors they did use for this process. My family doctor won't approve it as I spoke with him last year about it. Thanks you all!

I haven't.....the doctor I would go to is not having one for a couple of months. I'm really not sure if I'm ready to do it yet. Seems like a lot to deal with and I don't know if I'm willing to make that commitment. I read on the boards where someone lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks. I know everyone is different but I believe I could do that on my own. Just really have to get motivated to do it.

Hey there! I'm in Huntsville also. Haven't had the surgery yet....just trying to learn about it for now.