My first post here, i've been looking for awhile now. I went yesterday for an eval. and a skinny little nurse practitioner w/ no sense of humor told me i was "way off' and to come back when i had gained 60 lbs. I did not get to see the Dr. ( i did see the psych. they have it all in one office, and he said i was a good candidate). i am 5'6" and currently have a bmi of 33.9, i have lots of other physical problems but none alone life threatening. stress incont., big time., extreme shortness of breath w/min. exertion, swelling of the ankles by afternoon, (i am a nurse and work long days) depression, cysts on my ovaries (not PCOS though), joint pain, back pain. . . . .ok ok the NP did not even let me go into any of that. she said bmi of 40 is bottom line or 35 w/ serious co morbids.

Anyone here know of insurance covering the 30- 35 bmi range w/ those type of phys. probs? My insurance co. tells me i need a letter of med. necessity, no other "rules".

maybe i should just gain the 60 lbs like that "well intentioned" NP suggested.

Lisa

5'6" currently 210isa

Don't be discouraged. My BMI is 30 and my insurance company is paying for my surgery. I would try another doctor and see if they think they can get you covered. My surgery is on April 27th and it only took about 4 weeks to get the appoval from my insurance. KEEP TRYING!!

Jenna u crack me up!! I always like that saying too! Think it says it all

What a great point about the band paying for itself. I had never thought of that. We spend a fortune on crap food dont we? This just gave me one more reason to feel good about my choice to self pay in MX

I used Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana who came highly recommended by current patients. I was 30.1 BMI on April 1st. I had high blood pressure, cholesterol and triclycerides. I had a lumbar fusion in 1994 and exercise is not easy. I have already lost 19 lbs in 24 days. I put the flat $9500 fee on a low interest credit card. I think I will save that much money in large entrees and junk food within a couple of years. Basically it will pay for itself quickly. All of the follow up care and fills are included in the flat fee. If any revision is ever needed, or if it must be removed (1% chance) that is also free. I AM VERY HAPPY!.

SanDiego Sue

April 1 170

April 24 151

goal 125

height 5'3"

Age 50

It's not just the cost of food just think no more expensive Gyms membership,no JennyCraigs, weight watchers I can go on and on.No more books,.On more one size fits it all and being too embarrased to take it back.I think you can justify the cost over and over again ,this doesn't take into account of how wonderful it would feel to be slimmer.

Actually, I believe that paying for the gym membership is a Good Thing. When one is say, 100 pounds over weight, it is difficult to think about doing healthy things like going to the gym or running marathons or training for the Iron Man triathalete. But drop those pounds and I think I will be a fire ball....