Gaining weight to so insurance will pay for Lap Band

[BetsyB 9]

You know, I get asked all the time how far along I am pregnant wise which is a cruel joke as I've also been an infertility patient for 9 years, with several miscarriages and poor ovulation.

Does your health plan make allowances for lower BMI if you have comorbidities? Infertility is often considered weight-related. Do you have any other health issues as a result of your weight?

I'd try to appeal on that basis--I know my insurance does cover people below their cutoff BMI if there are concurrent health concerns.

[BetsyB 9]

(Psssst. A roll of quarters in your pocket will add half a pound...)

[BetsyB 9]

Never mind everyone. I've decided if denied insurance coverage for it, I will pay out of pocket. I will be on psychotropic drugs until the day I die, if they refuse me on that basis alone, then I guess it wasn't meant to be.

Blessings, Michelle

Michelle, psychotropic drugs won't rule you out. You are working part-time as an RN--you are well-regulated on meds. If you can comply with hospital policy and procedure at work, you certainly can comply with the kind of regimen required postop.

If out of pocket is a realistic possibility for you, that's great. But I would explore whether Medicare does make BMI allowances for comorbidities. Or load my pockets with rolls of quarters.

Losing jobs and insurance is terrifying. Facing losing your health is even more so. Medicare was created precisely for people like you--who need a leg up. And helping you achieve and maintain good health is something I, as a taxpayer (since we're all tossing that around), think is a pretty damn good investment.