I need help finding a doc that takes medicare and will preform surgery on a person with a BMI of 81.5----- My name is Angie, I'm a 32 yr old woman with a BMI of 81.5 and my health problems are as follows: high blood pressure sleep apena diabetis degenaritive arthritis high colestrol nuropathy in my feet depression Today I was turned down for the 2nd time by a surgeon who I thought would preform surgery on me. When I called his office the first thing I asked was if they did patients over 450 lbs because the hospitals around my home do not. The answer was yes they do patients up to 800 lbs. So my hopes were high and I was very excitied to get this done. I got a phone call about an hour ago saying that the doctor will not preform surgery on me do to my BMI and underlying health problems. So once again my hopes are smashed. I have all the preop testing done and am well aware of the risks and complications that could occur with this surgery. That is a chance I am willing to take. It's either surgery or die for me. I weight 534 lbs and am 5'8" tall. I am really starting to lose my hope for having this surgery. I know this is the tool I need to lose my weight and stay reasonably healthy. I have been over weight since I was 2 so I've never known what it's like to be skinny and DO NOT have the desire to be skinny. I just want to be healthy and walk and live my life again. Thanks for any and all advice---and yes I have been searching and searching and searching....

Congratulations!  I am 3 days before you!  I can't wait.

Congratulations!!! Hope things continue going well. I have surgery with Dr. Eibes July 11th.

Never mind abou the surgeon I just saw yours.  I am spacey tonight!!!  :)

Hello Everyone, I have been lurking around here for a month or so. I am so happy to here all of your stories. I met with my surgeon about a month ago and have finally today had my psych. eval and met with the nutritionist. My claim should be submitted to my insurance company (BC/BS of Iowa) by the middle of next week. I am so pumped. I brought home the pre and post surgical diet information. My family and friends are really being supportive. I am so blessed. I am hoping to schedule my surgery for the week of August 12-19 becasue my oldest daughter will be visiting from Texas. It would be a great help to have her home for a few days. My surgeon actually pencilled me in for that week since all of my information for the insurance company looked really good. I sure hope I am not disappointed but know there is a definate chance they won't approve me the first time around. I guess I will just keep praying and leave in God's hands since He is really the one in control, anyway. Thanks for everyone's willingness to share. I have learned so much from all of your posts. I am looking forward to sharing this journey with each of you. Sorry, I don't have a picture up. I don't have a web site and will have to get some help with all of this computer stuff. Blessings to you all! Shauntelle