I have cried for two days..I have been denied because I have been fat for only three years not 5

I am sooo upset...I have had my consultation,my psych. eval, I have been checked for sleep apnea(which I do have),I am border line diabetic, I have faxed my weight history for the past 5 years..and now,I am told I am being denied because I have been fat enough for '05...'06...and '07 but just not quite fat enough in 2003 and 2004. Well of course I wasn't as fat...I was addicted and taking up to 25 or 30 ephedrines a day...and smoking at least a pack to a pack and a half Marlboro reds a day. Now I can't lose for anything.....and they are telling me I need to be fat for 5 years not just 3. So, am I expected to live in misery for 2 more years...not going to my childrens school functions because I am too embarrassed....going to the store late at night because I don't want people to see me...not going to see my family....because I don't want them to see me at this weight. (my bmi is 49 by the way....but,I am still not able to get it done.) If anyone know how I can beat the system ...please..PLEASE let me know. I am at a total loss...I am just devestated. I don't get it..they'd rather keep paying for all of the other problems that come along with being over weight... aches ,pains,trouble breathing,etc. *** PLEASE HELP!!**               Have a SUPER day!!!!                                    ~ Heather

Heather, is this a denial on an appeal?  Or did they just say you're not approved because of x?  I would call them and ask them what exactly it is that they are lacking to approve you, what more information do they need to show that this was a problem in 2003-2004 just not as much as it was now?  Was your BMI normal in 2003 and then blossomed in the coming years or was it like 33-38 range... FIGHT>>> almost NO insurance companies just say ok have the surgery on the first try.. I had to fight, most of us here were all turned down the first go at it and we had to file appeals and do all kinds of craziness... this is not just a fight for a surgery dear, it's a fight for your life back, don't let anyone stand in your way... Call the insurance company in the morning and ask them what information you can provide them to change their minds?  And ask them about the appeals process tell them you want it to sent to you in writing ALWAYS GET EVERYTHING THEY TELL YOU IN WRITING!!  FIGHT GIRL FIGHT!!! Keep the faith Jessyca

Yup, I would fight it too! I was a lucky one, on insurance, but I've heard of alot of people who fought the insurance companies and won. You can do this. Linda Vicory

You really need to appeal it.  See if you primary care physcian will write letter pleading your case for you.  You can write a letter laying out what you have done and how you are limited by your weight.  I don't think the people at these insurance companies can understand what we go thru.  I didn't want to be over weight.  I have slow metabolism and most of the people in my family are over wieght. Part is heritary and part is leaned eating patterns.  I my stomach also did not send the signals to my brain telling it I was full till I had eating way to much.  I needed the surgery to reduce my stomach so I could tell when I was full.  The education I got from the diaticians also was a tool in teaching me how to eat right.  emphasizeing that the surgery is a tool you need to obtain your golas to a healthier life. Do whatever you can to put together an appeals letter with as much info as you can as to why you need this done.  Good luck.  It isn't an easy road but it is worth the trip.