mrscastilla

So I have all of my appointments scheduled for August and September. I also have a sleep study scheduled (although technically its not required). The sleep study doctor thinks I have sleep apnea just based on how small my airway is. She has also recommended I have my tonsils out. Says they are too large for my age? Anyway, getting excited that the process is finally moving forward.

Hello, I'm new in the forum and new to this whole process. I have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone will be able to help me with. First my story, I live in Portland Oregon and am fortunate to have two healthcare plans that both cover surgery at 100%, Kaiser and IBX (Independence BCBS). I have the option to try to be referred through either. I am 5'6", 253 lbs. I have tried every diet under the sun but have a hard time losing any weight. I have severe IBS ever since having my gallbladder out and cannot eat any raw vegetables, several steamed vegetables, oatmeal, dairy, etc...so it's very hard to diet, fibromyalgia, moderate arthritis with bulging disks from L1-S1. I am pre-diabetic which worries me because my mother has diabetes and her father died young from complications from Diabetes. I have low blood pressure and borderline high cholesterol. I had a hysterectomy at age 27 but still have my ovaries. I'm worried my health issues will not be seen as severe enough for surgery or that my IBS will disqualify me. Did anyone have IBS pre-surgery? Anyone try to go through Kaiser? IBX? Any answers or support would be much appreciated. Thanks, Renee

Although I received bad news from Kaiser, my primary still won't refer me regardless if my BMI is over 40, BCBS is an automatic approval with a BMI over 40 with no wait time. I have to meet with a dietician once and that's it. Feeling so much better. Just waiting on my first appointment with the Nurse to get this going.

Thanks for the encouragement. I have even started the process and have already been told by my primary physician through Kaiser that he won't refer me to their program. Looks like I'll have to try it through IBX BCBS.