just beggining

jojo · April 15, 2007

I have just begun to research this proceedure. I was wondering if anyone knows if vegetarians do well with this? Also, I need to lose 40 pounds and am worried that I will be turned away because I am not actually considered "obese". I am desperate for this surgery and would appreciate any feedback.

Elisabethsew · April 15, 2007

Most insurance require that you have a BMI of 40 or greater or a BMI of greater than 35 with 2 comorbidities such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Call your insurance company to see if you qualify.

jojo · April 15, 2007

thanks for replying so fast. I'm not worried about insurance, just whether a surgeon will do the proceedure if I am not considered obese. I certainly feel obese and really need this done, but sometimes the medical profession puts their own limit on who they believe needs proceedures. I am desperate for this to be done but worry all the time that no one will help me. Do you think I will be turned away? I am in Canada and not sure what the rules are here.

juliegeraci · April 15, 2007

Do you kmow what your BMI is? You may have to go to Mexico for the surgery. They do lower BMI patients. Julie

jojo · April 15, 2007

my BMI is 28.32 and I am 40 pounds overweight. The website I have been researching indicatest that they take patients looking to lose as little as 20 pounds so I am going to call that clinic tomorrow and see what they say. I am in awe of everyone here who has had the courage to go ahead with this. You are all so amazing.

ja9va · April 15, 2007

robint,

I am not sure you will find an insurance to pay, and maybe not a doctor in the US. I think I have read of others with a lower weight to lose, maybe going to Mexico as someone stated.

I have a bmi of 36 and have about 80lbs to lose. I had to sell it to the surgeon and I was worried my insurance may deny me. I have other health conditions, but not diabetes or high blood pressure, which seems to be the two most significant. But I did get approved and have a band date for June 7. Good luck.

Janine

jojo · April 16, 2007

Thanks, I have read up on a clinic in my area that will do the proceedure for patients that are in need of losing 20 pounds. I am talking to them tomorrow and hope they will help me. If not I will be looking outside of canada for help. I am determined.