I am a newcomer

November 25, 2003

hi there, I am new, haven't started the tests yet, seeing Dr. Rosenthal Dec. 20. I need lots of reassurance. I am a big baby when it comes to surgery, but I am anxious to do this, and be the person I so want to be. Please give me some tips.

I really need some mental support, I want to do the Lap surgery, I am

seeing Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic next month. I am curious about the

surgury criteria,what is the least amount you can weigh to get approved. 75 100

lbs??

My husband had the other bariatric surgery 4months ago, he doing great so far

he lost 105 lbs. I know you need to be at least 100 or more lbs overweight

for that surgery. I am extremely afraid of anesthea, more than the surgery it

self. I had a bad experience with a surgery and anesthea 30 years ago, and

swore to myself never to have surgery unless I was literally dying. And now I

really can't believe I can't wait to have this surgery. After taking all the

tests, how long is the waiting period for the lap surgery? Everyone on

this site really seem excited with their experiences.

Hedy

marsha · November 25, 2003

Hedy,

The criteria for surgery is based more on your BMI then the number of pounds overweight you are. You can find a BMI calculator on many websites. BMI takes into consideration your height and weight. I'm about 75lbs overweight. I'm 5'6" and 222lbs. My bmi is 36 but I have a few co-morbidities. Usually if your bmi is 35-39 you need to prove you have other health problems related to obesity. If your bmi is over 40 you usually don't need related health problems (but every little bit helps). Every insurance company is different and some don't cover the surgery no matter what!

I'm currently waiting for approval from my insurance company. I went to my first informational session at Cleveland Clinic in May. I saw Dr. Szomstien for the first time in June and completed all my testing and nutrition class in October. My file was submitted to insurance yesterday. I was told it would probably take 10-15 days for approval (as long as I'm not denied) and then my surgery would be scheduled for sometime in Feb.

I don't want to be discouraging...just know this process takes a long time. I'll let you know when I get a surgery date!

Marsha

JC_GODOLPHINS · November 25, 2003

Marsha, my suggestion is in about a week or so call and get a case number from Cleveland Clinic. Even if they are rude, insist, and get on your insurance company's AZZ!!! They tend to drag it out. Stay on top of it.

November 25, 2003

nice to talk to you marsha, thanks for the warning about time.

Maybe you can explain what everyone is talking about with a fill.what is a fill. My husband had the other bariatric surgery 4 months ago, and did extremely well. But I know nothing about the lap band surgery. Hedy:straight