Finally ready to take the plunge!

[tinker-bell 0]

Hello everyone. I am officially miserable and unhappy. I was a very active person but with all my aches and pains I find things I used to enjoy unbearable. Arthritis in my ankle and hands are starting to slow me down.

I have just recently been told I am hypertensive and have sleep apnea.

I am very interested in LB. I found very valuable info on this site thus far.

I do have a lower BMI 37.2 and and have Tricare Prime. I am in the research phase thus far. I am already in fear that due to my low BMI I will be denied but am looking at other options.

I love life but not in my current state. My husband is very active and I feel he misses his partner in crime. Looking better would be nice but feeling better would be sooooo much better!

I am looking forward to making friends who understand me....

Take care!

~tink~

[U_go_gurl68 0]

Well you have come to the right place. There are many people on this forum who have felt the way you have or are just starting out just as you are.

I was self-pay because I didn't qualify for insurance purposes, but I didn't have any co-morbidities either. I did have the aching joints, but not much of anything else other than a bad family history and fear of getting all my family's problems. My surgeon said I was smart to get a handle on things now before the problems really started. My bmi was about 37.

You may still qualify for insurance because of your co-morbidities, but there are other factors involved as well. Have you checked with your insurance company to see what they require? Some want a history of physician supervised weight loss attempts and many other tests.

Not only was I not able to get insurance to cover my surgery, but the docs in my town wouldn't do it because they followed the requirements set by insurance even for self-pay. I had to go see a surgeon in another town 2 hours away.

I hope you will be able to get the surgery either way and I can't wait to read your story in other posts. Whether or not the other posts apply to my situation, they are all helpful and encouraging. I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

[dwrd73 0]

I know exactly how you feel. I cannot wait until I am banded and start loosing this weight so I can enjoy the many active activities that my young boys want to do.

I also have low BMI of 35.7 but I was approved by my insurance b/c I also have hypertension. I will be banded at the end of the month. Check with your insurance to find out what they require. Most insurance companies want at least a BMI of 40 or >35 with one or two co-morbidities. Hypertension and sleep apnea are generally on list so go call you insurance and schedule an appointment with your local surgeon.

Good luck and keep reading this forum. You'll find lots of great information.

[tinker-bell 0]

Thank you for making me feel welcome!

Unfortunatley I have Tricare which only allows LB or bypass if you are 100lbs or more overweight (I am 85-90lbs)...no BMI exceptions as far as I know. I know I am in for a ride when it comes to insurance. I may have to consider financing...although it will not be the best alternative for our family. But maybe down the road it may be an option.

Thanks again for your replies and making me feel welcome. Its nice to know I am not alone.

~Toni~