HealthyPursuit

Hi Deanna, I am in Bakersfield and was just denied surgery through my insurance company GemCare. Very disappointed and upset to say the least. I am considering self paying...

I have a 35 BMI and possibly co-morbidities (still waiting for results but it is looking like sleep apnea as well as gallbladder issues and reflux). Does anyone else have experience with Blue Shield Gemcare insurance (Bakersfield, CA)? Please let me know if anyone else is going through the same hurdles as I am so we can talk about the best practices to get this insurance to cover the sleeve surgery. Any information will help...

I am currently going through his office using Dr. Moon as he is covered under my insurance for Sleeve Surgery.

N/a

I am 31, single, with a BMI of 35.88... Does anyone have any ideas as far as a good "cover story" to tell my friends, coworkers, or colleagues in regards to being off work for a week or two to have surgery? I was thinking something along the lines of abdominal surgery or a female type of surgery so it is somewhat consistent with the sleeve surgery and side effects I will actually be having. I do not want a lot of people to know that I had this surgery so I would prefer to keep it to myself but it will be somewhat difficult since I am the type of person who has never been shy or closed off about my own personal life. I live a very social type lifestyle involving weekly gatherings with friends where alcohol is always present. For the last few years or so, after I have any type of alcoholic drink, my face and neck turn bright red from what is (seemingly) an allergy to alcohol so I can most definitely use that as my story as to why I will be not drinking for a year, per my doctor's orders. Can anyone help think of a good surgery that is non-bariatric but would be a good cover story to be vague about if people were to ask? I know it probably would be best to just be truthful with friends but I would prefer to keep this to myself as it will be my own journey and I do not want the judgement or ridicule from others especially since I am in a smaller California town where a lot of people talk/gossip. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you! This made me laugh out loud... I like the way you think!

I am really appreciating everyone's responses! Keep em` coming... I like the gallbladder surgery idea.