Luv2scuba

Hi everyone, I've been reading and researching everything i can find. I had asked my insurance co for the requirements and i got them today. 1) 18 years or older (My baby is 21, so that's no problem) 2) complete a psychological examination to determine readiness and fitness for surgery and necessary postoperative lifestyle changes (this i was expecting after reading so much here) 3) complete a structured diet program in the 2-year period that immediately precedes the request for the surgery by participation in either: - One structured diet program for 6 consecutive months or - Two structured diet programs for 3 consecutive months. (Can include commonly available diet programs such as Weight Watchers® or Jenny Craig®) (I did WW, starting Jan 07 and ending Feb 08 and have my weigh-in book so that should be ok. I lost 40 lbs and gained back 30 of it since Feb.) 4) meet either of the following criteria: - BMI of 40; or - BMI equal to or greater than 35, in combination with one or more of the following co-morbid conditions: hypertension; a cardiopulmonary condition; sleep apnea; diabetes; or any life threatening or serious medical condition that is weight induced (My BMI is 42, have a strong family hx of heart disease, stroke and diabetes) Just knowing that i already meet most of their criteria makes me feel that this might just be the answer to my problem. Now what should i do? See my PCP or decide on a surgeon and attend an information seminar? I don't think i've ever been so excited to be morbidly obese! That is really a sick thought...lol Pat

Welcome! This site is full of info, support and encouragement! I'm just starting to look into this and feel more confident that this is the answer to my problems. Good luck in your search! Pat

Welcome to the boards! I've just begun the process myself, so can't offer you any advice on self paying. From everything i've read, it does seem a small price to pay for the benefits you will reap! Good luck! Pat

I'm researching too. This site has lots of good info and lots of knowledgable folks. I hope you find the info you are looking for. hgus, Pat

Thanks for the warm welcome! I don't think i've ever found a site that is so positive and full of encouragement! Looking forward to continuing this journey with you! hugs,Pat

Thanks, i look forward to learning all i can and sharing with all of you!. I love the encouragement and positive attitudes that found here! hugs, Pat

Good morning all, I am just beginning to research this whole thing. I had made up my mind that i was going to start a weight loss program and give my self till the end of the year and see if i could stick to it. If not, then start the process for wls. But as i've spent a few days here, i'm rethinking that. I have contacted my insurance and they will cover wls. I neglected to find out if they require a supervised diet period. So i'm thinking that if they do, maybe i should use this time i've planned to do it on my own, and do it supervised. I will try to find out today if my insurance will require such a time. I think I've tried every diet out there, WW was the last one, lost 40 lbs last year in 8 months, and had gained 30 of it back by march of this year. I've lost about 20 of that again. Both my parents have been diagnosed with diabetes, family history of heart disease, so far i've been lucky as i'm fairly healthy except for the obesity. I wonder how much longer i can tempt fate? My sister and her partner both have had r &y (hope that is right) and both have had severe health complications. And both have regained almost half of what they had originally lost. So i'm thinking that is not the route for me. I've found this forum to be an excellent source of info and look forward to continuing this journey. Pat

I hope you don't mind joining this group. I'm just beginning to explore the possibility and finding so much wonderful info here. I have found out that my insurance will cover the surgery. And today i requested a list of requirements be sent to me. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better. Pat