Feeling Helpless

I have been thinking about WLS for several years. I am 45 years old. I have really researched and thought things out. My family doctor has been of little help. She keeps telling me things I aready know and have tried. I finally made the decision to see a doctor in Ames to discuss WLS. My BMI is 42 and I do have health concerns. He told me that I would need to wait 3 years as a physician would have to oversee my efforts every two months. He wanted me to go on a 1,000 calorie diet and exercise 1 hour each day. That part I can put effort into but I am devistated about the 3 years. My insurance is BCBS, Select. Does this make sense to anyone? I am not lazy or need a quick fix. I just feel in 3 years everything will be that much worse and it is wasted time in my life.

Hannah, I'm so sorry to hear how frustrated and down you are. My first question is: have you tried any attempt for weight loss either by physician or on your own. I didn't have many physician assisted weight loss programs on my record - just phen/fen and redux about 8 or 9 years ago. Then I tried things on my own without success. Finally, this year after 2 kids, I decided to do something about my weight. I was very nervous about the insurance approval process. But to my amazement, they approved it in 2 weeks (BCBS select). The approach I took was to do a multi-disciplinary approach to WLS. I first saw a bariatrician, then he told me my options. I decided on gastric bypass. Then I saw the surgeon, dietition and therapist. Since I took this multi-disciplinary approach the insurance company approved the surgery and know I'm 6 weeks out and down 28 pounds. I, too, was a 42 BMI with many health conditions - luckily none very severe. So my advice to you is to look back on your history and re-evalute your options. You may have done more than you remember. Take care and good luck!!

3 years?????? I DON'T THINK SO! Suggestion is to find another doc. Do you have a surgeon in your area? Or have one picked out? If so go to them & see what they have to say. This doc isn't very supportive of WLS it's plain to see from what you have said. I had high BMI & 49 yrs old, I'm almost 6 months out. Please keep us posted. Carolyn

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but it is the way of insurance companies. I have BCBS also and was able to have surgery 1/26/04 but just squeeked it in under the wire. I have now lost 100 lbs and working to keep losing another 75. Ins co are cracking down and putting a stop on surgeries. It now says 1-3 years of supervised weight loss. It's because of all the supposed "rush" of surgeries being done. One thing I have found anytime that you have gone to the doc and they stated overweight, obese, or anything to that effect it can be documented history. Also any comorbidities such as sleep apnea, diabetes, arthritis those also can count. Get ahold of all your medical records for the past 5 years and go through them highlighting any statements to the above and submit to your insurance. It's a start it may not but I believe it's worth a try. Just an FYI I work in medical records and you own the information in your records but the facility owns the paper or microfilm or what ever so there may be a fee to have copies made, but it is YOUR right to get that information. Good luck and God bless.

H.D., I'm sorry that things are not going well for you. I also don't know anything about BCBS. If I were you, I would call the insurance company and see what their qualifications are. Good luck and God bless, Andrea

I really THANK everyone *****sponded to my message. I am going to visit another surgeon and keep working at it. I appreciate the help and support. I love this message board. It is so cool to see all the friendships that have developed.