About me

[Brandigirl 22]

HI everyone! My name is Brandi, I am 32 years old from Phoenix, AZ. I got the lap band 10/2013, over the next year I lost almost 80 lbs. In 01/2015 I had to have my band emergently removed due to complications. After that I tried to get approved for the Lap band to gastric bypass conversion . I was denied as I didn't have a high enough bmi or any comorbidities. Over the next year I managed to gain all of my weight back plus a little more so I am now in the process of getting approved for bypass, (I currently have a bmi of 38) My insurance (of course) denied me right away because high cholesterol isn't a comorbidity and my bmi isn't over 40. I was about 15 lbs away from my bmi just over 40, so I decided to gain that weight (i know not the best idea but hey gotta do what you gotta do.) I have called my surgeons office to see what the next step is but have but heard from them. Does any one know, do I need to appeal it still or just go get weighed in at the surgeons office to prove I am at 40 now? Thank you for reading. Wish me luck! I need this!

[pammieanne 269]

I bet it all depends on your insurance company.

I knew about the BMI expectations/ approvals before I went to see my doctor for the first time. I too was about 17lbs too light... I gained that before going to see my doctor.

Let us know how it goes! good luck

[Brandigirl 22]

I'm glad I am not the only one who has done this. Hopefully I'll get some answers this week. When was your surgery? How are you doing?

[pammieanne 269]

My surgery date is May 16th. I started my pre-op diet last week, and go to all liquids on Friday. I'm very excited, and starting to get a little nervous too! LOL But it's all good, I hope!

[Brandigirl 22]

Oh awesome!! I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear how it goes!

[pammieanne 269]

Thanks! I am getting nervous, but I know that's normal. I just want to get through those first weeks where it seems some people are so miserable! LOL I hope I'm not one of them

Have you decided how you're going to handle your insurance? I think you should just go in and see your doctor, and let his insurance advocate handle it the best way they know how. They're good at stuff like that.

[Brandigirl 22]

That is perfectly normal to be nervous. I am kind of nervous and I don't even have my surgery scheduled.

I finally got a call from my surgeons office yesterday, I think she is a bit annoyed with me ???? she didn't really tell me anything I already knew. She says to get a sleep study done, which is in the works but I'm pretty sure I am at weight my bmi needs to be. So I'm not sure what is next.