Hi All, I'm in New Zealand, and have yo-yo dieted for many years always ending up with a bmi of around 40 and up and down by about 5 BMI points.

The only reason I've not applied for a sleeve previously is for financial reasons (I've done copious research over the years!), although I've desperately wanted it. I've suddenly got some money I can use towards the surgery but I need the additional part payment from my insurance company (they only offer a max of under half the total cost).

It's all I can think about despite being busy with work and young children, I have my appointment with the surgeon on the 17th of June, so hurdle number 1 is him thinking i'm suitable (my bmi is only boarder-line at 39/40 with no co-morbidites guess i'll have to eat a big Breakfast before my appointment lol) and then if he thinks i am a candidate he write a letter of recommendation to my insurance company and they have told me it takes up to 10 working days to assess - that being hurdle number two.

I know many of you have been through this, but i get generalized anxiety as it and I'm just so nervous and would be absolutely gutted if I get a no at either point - I will feel hopeless and stuck on a never ending round of bad yo-yo dieting getting bigger each time

I just can't stand not knowing, how do you all handle the hoops we have to jump to through and the worry/anxiety of being turned down especially if you are only borderline qualifying under their criteria? Any tips or hope of others who've already been there done that would be much appreciated!

I have the same concerns.. borderline BMI..I handle my anxiety with Prayer.. and cross each bridge as they arise.. I have had psych evaluation and I am currently meeting with the nutritionist for a period of six months I also have high blood pressure and recently found out that I have sleep apnea which will actually help me qualify

The endless waiting is the hardest part. It is urgent for us to accomplish each step, but it is not urgent for all of the recepionists, insurance coordinators and clinicians that the paperwork has to pass through.

Here is the thing about co-morbidities: It does not necessarily have to be a condition that puts you speciifically at risk. If you have a family history of heart attack, strokes, or pre-mature death due to obesity related conditions, that could lean in your favor. Here is a list of common co-mobidities that the insurance companies consider. The information is from a U S Government website called the National Instititute of Health. I hope this helps.

Obesity Comorbidities
To 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 in the immediate family

Thank you both, hmm OK i do have a few of the less serious issues on that list, i will raise them with my Surgeon when I have my appointment and see if here in New Zealand they will aid my case, I guess now it's just the waiting game!