vegasrn27

My insurance coordinator has been very helpful and is knowledgeable about how to get insurance authorization. She sent me an email the same day of appt and responds almost immediately to email inquires I have sent. It's making the process a lot easier, which as I have seen from most the posts, is stressful enough already. Good luck to you! I will hopefully have answers in the next 2 wks.

I am ready for the self-pay option if this doesn't work. I am not willing to go thru gaining wt, just to TRY to get approved. We'll see. I am mentally ready and in the process of getting financially ready. If insurance approves me, that will just give me a little extra $$ for a mini vacation

I also have a BMI of 37, do you have any comorbidities? I have elevated BP, but never been treated for it...I was hoping to lose the weight. Now I am having a sleep study to try the sleep apnea diagnoses.

Hi all. This is my first post, so please be nice. I have been fighting the weight loss battle for 20+yrs, but always felt I could lose the weight on my own. I have had a few physical set-backs (surgeries requiring time off work) and always have a hard time getting back on track. I watched my grandmother, who has the same physical appearance/stature as i do, struggle her whole life w/weight loss and weight loss groups. I am not vain. I would find a way to love myself if was 500lbs, but I feel the need to intervene for health reasons. When I made the decision to pursuit WLS, I was told that my BMI is not high enough for my insurance co. to cover the surgery w/o a comorbidity. I considered Lap band a few years ago (when I was 20# lighter), but tried again to lose the weight on my own. I have some high blood pressure, but it was never treated by my primary care Dr because I was trying to lose weight. I also just completed a sleep study to eval for sleep apnea, but my concern is that if i do have sleep apnea, they may recommend a CPAP machine before surgery. I have made the decision and my Dr has given me quote of an out of pocket expense of $12,400,,,,which includes anesthesia and post-op visits/nutrients. In a long-winded post, this is my dilemma. Apparently, because I have no other comorbities, I would have to gain about 25lbs to be eligible per my insurance to have the surgery paid for. Sounds great right? NO! I could easily eat and gain the weight, but am already uncomfortable in my current body. My primary care MD even ok'ed me to gain weight to be eligible for the surgery. My concern....that's and extra 25lbs that would get tacked on to my current weight. I have read so many of your inspiring stories and am just looking for guidance from those in my position or that may have walked in my shoes. Also, if you had the sleep study, did you have to wear a CPAP after the study, or did they accept your sleep disorder as a comorbitity? Thanks again to you all. You are so brave and inspiring!

I have never been treated for the hypertension and my insurance requires documented treatment for 2yrs. The hypertension is fairly new and i have trying to lose the weight...hoping to get my BP down. My BMI is 37 right now. My insurance would pay if it was 40. If it's less than 40, I need comorbidities. I just had my sleep study, but I don't really think I have sleep apnea, so that is just me and my primary MD reaching.

The Bariatric Center has been very helpful. The ball is pretty much in my court now.

I guess I am just wondering if it's ok to consume a 2 liter of Diet Pepsi that has been allowed to go flat. I like that diet cola taste...just wondering if it's on the diet. Oh....and not a 2 liter all at once....just realized it looked crazy worded that way.