Catch 22.. No win situtation

Hello, I'm pulling my hair out!!! Worked all weekend, quit smoking Thurs night, not a puff since. But do I want one now. Just off phone with dr office and insurance. ooooooh, they make me crazy. Dr off said insur wants 5 yr proof that i've had a bmi >40 for that long. Well duh, i have 10 yr record of weighing in at dr office every 3 months, but that might not be good enough, didn't have dr suppivised diet. who can afford that many trips to dr offic? then i called insur to see what exact i need, but there is a bunch of stuff that has to be done before they will approve, esp a $495 class that needs to be attended before i even get to see the surg for his refer. How frustrationg, any suggestions???

I would think that 10 years of quarterly weigh-ins showing a BMI of over 40 would do the trick.. You may not be able to get around the class, though I know that's bad news.. I recommend writing all the things the insurance co needs in a neat list. Start gathering what you already have.. check the list off, one by one.. I know it's not the answer you want to hear but if this process was easy, would it be worth it? I think what they're trying to avoid is an increasing trend of people who are NOT morbidly obese who actually GAIN WEIGHT in order to qualify for surgery. I know you're not one of those people. YOU know that but the insurance needs to know it. Stick with it, Kristi. The payoff is well worth it. Stef

If you're going through PSG (can't tell from your profile), the $495 is for a lot more than one class. It covers 2 bod pods (6 mo & 1 yr), 1 private session with dietician (whenever you choose), and as many pre-education and post-support classes as you want to attend. The PSG office staff can drive you bonkers, but you can't ask for better doctors -- and Melinda (doctors' assistant) is fantastic. You will come to really appreciate her. Also the support groups are very good and are for the rest of your life. Also the doctors expect you to follow up with them yearly for the rest of your life. It's a comprehensive program. -162