Hi all. I am new here. I am going just for info. on the surgery tomorrow. My bmi is about 35 and I am 185 lbs at a height of 5 1. I think that this weight is causing serious health issues such as arthritis of the feet and ankles and lately I find myself waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath and breathing very heavy. I have not told my primary about this, should I? My insurance is optima...I need to call to see if they cover and what the exceptions are. I read that it can be covered under a ryder...what is this? I am just scared because I know a bmi of 40 is usally required and I don't want to be laughed at. I have tried for years to get this weight off...this included, weight watchers (twice), hypnotism, la weight loss, and 3 gym memberships. I am currently going to the gym 4 times a week with no results. I am quite embarassed! Are therse things I should tell my physician? Am I even a canidate?

i am 5' and was 185 before surgery. you will not be laughed at. my insurance-bcbs covered the surgery. you will have to go thru a sleep study and have other tests done before any decision is made. i found out that i had sleep apnea which i did not know. your md can put in the letter to your ins that the surgery is needed due to medical problems and list everything that you are experiencing. i also tried for years to take off the weight and could not do it on my own. it was the best thing that i ever did for myself. best of luck to you!

deborah