MrKraid

Hi. Although I have been stalking the forums for about a month, this is my first post. I've decided that I want to go through with VSG, but I'm not sure how to proceed. I went to my PCP for the initial visit today and my BMI was 49. I have Blue Care Network (MI) and they don't require the six month supervised weight loss if you have a BMI of over 50. I've been through all of the weight loss programs and fad diets so I know that I am capable of losing weight in six months, but my doctor hinted that I could gain the six pounds (though not his official opinion) or I could start with the weight loss program. I both feel that I want to just skip what I already know that I can do and that it would be helpful to more slowly transition to what will become my new lifestyle. I'd appreciate any thoughts about this. -John

Ugh...my insurance said they cover all Bariatric surgery centers in the area, but when I called Barix, they said that they don't have a contract with them. I guess it's U of M for me...

Thanks for the info LeahG. I will definitely go to Barix and check out their informational meeting. I have the same type of thing set up for U of M on May 1st. I especially like how little BCBS looks into the past weight loss since I didn't really record much of it long term but have tried numerous times in the last two years.

I'm in the Ann Arbor area and am still looking into where to go. My choices are most likely the University of Michigan or the Barix clinic in Ypsilanti. Any recomendations or problems with either? I'd appreciate any info that might help me in my decision.

Thanks for the responses! I will definitely have to think about it - there are two Bariatric centers in my area (Ann Arbor, MI), The University of Michigan and a Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti. The U requires the six months in the last two years regardless of what insurance requires. I don't know much about the Barix clinic, but I will post something to see if anyone has gone there. I am still leaning towards a week or two of weight gain or slamming a gallon of water before weighing in.