I would like to first introduce myself.....I have been lurking for a month now and I took the plung and attended a seminar this past monday. I had my first pcp visit with a dc they referred (from the seminar) and I am having blood work tomorrow and a sleep test in the following 2 weeks. I have empire bcbs insurance from the city of new york and I live in south florida now.....now I am ready to throw some questions out there....thanks for welcoming me in advance

1. Has anyone had experience with Dr. Cohen in Broward county?..He seems very professional and on his game, but what do I know...lol

2. If I have a bmi of 40.3 and I have sleep apnea (with I am almost positive I have), will have to have a 6 month wait?...and when can I drop below the 40 bmi without the insurance giving me problems...I am a great dieter and I have nooo desire to stay like this for six months...should I at least wait to diet after I submit my weight to Dr. Cohen's office?...My pcp documented it today and that was it.

3. Dr. Cohen and my pcp work hand in hand together and the nurse reassured me that I was in good hands...does this mean my process will go rather smooth ....as they seem to have tons of experience with working together....

thanks for reading my rant.....I can't wait to become and offical loser!!!!!!!

I am not going through my insurance but I know that if you have a comorbidity, which would be your sleep apena, you can go down to a 35 bmi. You would just have to check with your insurance.

I meant to say with my insurance. (I have BCBSofAL)

I started this journey late Feb. and just had my surgery last week. Your doctor's office will be talking to your insurance company to see what criteria needs to be met. The usual is 3 meetings with Dietician, 3 meetings with a physical therapist, and 3 with a social worker (psyche eval). My insurance, Anthem only needed (1) visit per therapist. I was put on a 1200 cal diet the first week of March and by the time of my surgery I was down 45#. I already had Diabetes and Sleep Apnea so didn't have any problems getting covered. Good luck on your journey.