Hey everyone. I'm 5'2 and weigh 184. My BMI is 34. I'm on Medicare; you have to have a BMI of 35 for Medicare to pay. Any suggestions for me? Paying out of pocket is not an option. I loaded up on cookie dough last week...I've almost polished off one package but it is killing me and I have to gag it down. I stepped on the scales today hoping for 190 or close, and I've lost 4 lbs!!!!!! This is driving me nuts!

Anyone know of something heavy I can stick in my bra when I meet my surgeon????? j/k....MAYBE! ARGH!

Blessings, Michelle

(Psssst. A roll of quarters in your pocket will add half a pound...)

Never mind everyone. I've decided if denied insurance coverage for it, I will pay out of pocket. I will be on psychotropic drugs until the day I die, if they refuse me on that basis alone, then I guess it wasn't meant to be.

Blessings, Michelle

Michelle, psychotropic drugs won't rule you out. You are working part-time as an RN--you are well-regulated on meds. If you can comply with hospital policy and procedure at work, you certainly can comply with the kind of regimen required postop.

If out of pocket is a realistic possibility for you, that's great. But I would explore whether Medicare does make BMI allowances for comorbidities. Or load my pockets with rolls of quarters.

Losing jobs and insurance is terrifying. Facing losing your health is even more so. Medicare was created precisely for people like you--who need a leg up. And helping you achieve and maintain good health is something I, as a taxpayer (since we're all tossing that around), think is a pretty damn good investment.