lots of questions

[OBXhappy 28]

Hello,

I've always struggled with my weight. 15 years ago I tried Body for Life and kept my weight in check for 8 years by exercising constantly and eating very healthy. A new marriage and menopause and I find that I'm right back where I started. I've tried just about everything and can't seem to lose the weight. I'm seriously thinking about getting a VSG as a tool to help me get back on track.

I had an appointment with a recommended surgeons office the second week of June 2015. For the first time in forever I was 3 lbs to light (for a 40 BMI) At my PCP I was 5 pounds heavier than at the surgeons. I have no comorbidities. The PA suggested that I have a sleep study perhaps I would qualify if I have sleep apnea.

The first appt. I could get for a sleep study consultation was the first week of July 2015. I met with the doctor he does not believe I have sleep apnea from talking with me. I will do a sleep test at their office tomorrow night. They weighed me and I was 10 lbs heavier than at the surgeons.

I called BCBST (tennessee) to find out if I am covered for Bariatric Surgery and the sleep test. The nice young lady stated yes for the sleep test. She said she wouldn't know if I am covered for surgery until the paperwork is submitted. I asked a dozen different questions and each time it came back to it depends on what the surgeons paperwork states.

So, do I call the surgeons office and ask to be seen again (I'm over a 40 BMI)? Do I go ahead with the sleep study (for some reason this freaks me out more than the surgery)? Will my insurance think I've gained weight just to qualify? I do not believe I have. I honestly think the scales fluctuate depending on clothing or the time of day.

The surgeons office gave me a copy of the requirements from my insurance (I find it odd that I pay my premiums but I cannot get this on my own) A five year history and 6 months dr supervision is required.

I have not been over 40 BMI for the past 5 years. Though I have been off and on for at least 5 years. I was on a dr supervised weight loss 6 years ago (using wellbutrin, phentermine and topamax) until I decided I just couldn't function anymore on the mixture.

My present dr does not seem to believe in weight loss surgery.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[joatsaint 2,814]

I had BCBS of Texas. When I decided to look into WLS, I called BCBS and asked for a list of their approved WLS doctors. I went to one of them, rather than a general physician. I was already diagnosed with sleep Apnea, so I was prequalified for WLS.

The sleep study was a breeze, other than having all the little wire leads hanging off me, it was like staying overnight in a hotel. :-P

I would suggest calling your insurance and getting their list of local WLS doctors and contacting the doctor yourself. They are going to be more qualified about deciding if you need surgery rather than your primary physician.

[OBXhappy 28]

joatsaint thank you for your feedback. The insurance company did approve of the surgeon I selected. The sleep study was last night. They told me I will not have results for two weeks. I'm guessing I can't schedule an appt. with the surgeon again until I actually have the results of the sleep study.

Jan

[Jessica Ellison-Correa 66]

considering i had sleep apnea and diabetes before i sought this surgery i was pre-aproved for surgery as well just need to complete my 6 month diet and psych eval