shaylab0

@@shaylab0 insurance companies and plans really vary in their requirements. My insurance company required a one year history on BMI, not five years. You should have a written booklet (or .pdf) with "Member Benefits" or something like that as a title, and it should spell out all the requirements for bariatric surgery under your specific plan. If it doesn't, get in touch with your insurance company and request a copy of the requirements for your specific plan in writing.

Me too. My insurance wanted a history of weight loss attempts but I don't think they actually looked into it. For me I put weight watchers, lost 40 lbs, gained it back. HerbalLife, lost 43lbs, gained it back, Jenny Craig, lost 10 measly lbs, gained back 15 lbs... seemed to be all they needed

Here is a complete list of co-morbidities that insurance companies use in evaluating your case. I got it from
dsfacts.com. DS stands for duodenal switch. Hope this helps. Maybe you will find some you see as familiar. I also provided a heartfelt letter for my packet, which explained why I need the surgery and how my weight and co-morbities were degrading my quality of life.
In that letter, I explained when I started gaining weight and listed the diets and exercise programs that have failed me.
I told them about family members who have died of conditions on the co-morbities list.
I included a list of the medications I am taking for conditions related to my obesity.
I shared info about surgeries and joint replacements and other treatments necessary because of my weight.
I told them about inconveniences and the adjustments I have had to make to function throughout my day, and how how the weight itself prevents me from an effective and agressive exercise program.
Then I closed the letter by explaining how the surgery would drastically improve my quality of life, and thanking them in advance for approving the surgery which would surely extend my life and reduce the need critical medical care in the future.
When composing any good presentation, follow these 3 rules:
1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.
2. Tell them.
3. Tell them what you told them.
Good luck.
Obesity ComorbiditiesTo follow is a list of comorbidities (additional conditions or diseases) related to obesity which may help you in qualifying for weight loss surgery.
Family history of heart disease Family history of stroke Family history of diabetes Family history of heart attacks Hyperinsulinemia Diabetes High blood pressure Coronary-artery disease Hypertension Migraines or headaches directly related to obesity or cranial hypertension Congestive heart failure Neoplasia Dyslipidemia Anemia Gallbladder disease Osteoarthritis Degenerative arthritis Degenerative disc Degenerative joint disease Recommended joint replacement from specialist Accelerated degenerative joint disease Asthma Repeated pneumonia Repeated pleurisy Repeated bronchitis Lung restriction Gastroesophageal reflex (GERD) Excess facial & body hair (Hirsutism) Rashes Chronic skin infections Excess sweating Frequent yeast infections Urinary stress incontinence Menstrual irregularity Hormonal abnormalities Polycystic ovaries Infertility Carcinoma (breast, colon, uterine cancer) sleep apnea Pseudotumor cerebri Depression Psychological/sexual dysfunction Social discrimination Premature death
For more information on the NIH qualifications for weight loss surgery:
Gastrointestinal surgery for severe obesity. Proceedings of a National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference, March 25-27, 1991.

Hey all- Dooter here. I haven't been on here in a while, but this thought has been plaguing me, and I need to get it out. -Let me preface this discussion by saying I am GLAD I had the sleeve surgery, and I would not change it for the world. I had NO complications and I lost 102 pounds in eight months, and for that I am grateful. I needed to do that quickly for my own sanity and health. HOWEVER- that said-
DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT think for one teeny tiny minute that having surgery and dumping a bunch of weight is going to fix your head and the behavior that got you here. Not gonna happen. During the "honeymoon" period where you can sneeze off five pounds at a time and you're never hungry after your teaspoon of food, you can't imagine EVER returning to old feelings and desires. I am here to tell you that it sneaks back in a little at a time. A taste here, a taste there... "oh look. I've gained a pound. well, that was salty food, I'll just drink more Water tomorrow." HORSE HOCKEY!!!! That's where it starts. Your old head trips creep in. Hiding food. Eating junk now, figuring you'll just shape up "next week" or "tomorrow." Tomorrow never happens and you've gained 30 pounds back. Yes. With your itty bitty stomach, you have gained 30 pounds back. It can happen. Or worse, you gain it all back. That can happen too.
The reason I am writing this and being to harsh about it is that you are a person who is considering, or who has gone through a MAJOR life changing surgery. SO CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!! Be vigilant. come out of that honeymoon with your armor on! You WILL stop losing at one point and your body will begin to fight you as mine has. The diet my surgeon gave me no longer works at this point in the game, as my metabolism is stuck in cold molasses and it has taken a personal trainer/dietitian to get it moving again, and it is majorly hard work and painful and distasteful at times, but I have another 100 lbs to lose AFTER the 30 lb regain is gone.
​Have somebody close to you hold you accountable for exercising and eating right. Splatter it all over Facebook if you have to (I did) so you'll have MANY people holding you accountable! Do what you have to do to reach your goal. Don't settle for less and don't eat crap. And don't think that surgery is the final solution. It's a tool that will get you halfway there. The rest is up to YOU and no one else. Thank you. That is all.

hmmm interesting question. First thing that pops in my mind in response was:
well then, how could any of us rationalize eating to the point of obesity when there are so many people starving in the world?
And yet....we all did it.
I agree with the above folks....I utilized what was available to me to get healthy.
Me not having the surgery and continuing to fight a losing battle with dieting would have done nothing to help the starving people in the world. There are many non profit organizations that I can help support with my time or money that can offer help to those in need.

She's probably scared to lose you because she just lost her father. Please don't take it personally, she's just upset and taking it out on you.
You do what you think is best for you, she'll come around don't be sad