Newbie - looking for friendship & guidance.

Hi there, my name's Kari, I'm 30 years old and I live in S.E. Michigan.

I'm here because I have been seriously contemplating gastric bypass surgery. My highest weight was 330 lbs and I'm currently stuck at about 285 lbs.

Over the last few years I have had elevated to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and I also have PCOS (which makes the weight loss even more difficult), as well as psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis in my ankle, which also is aggrevated by the weight.

I have been on countless diets and programs starting at childhood, and nothing has truly worked. I'm currently on my second round of Weigh****chers, and I'm starting to feel defeated in the weight loss area.

I have been doing a little bit of research, but I'm not sure exactly where I should start or how to get this process started. I have signed up for a seminar on November 1st at a hospital nearby just to get more information, but right now I just feel a little lost in regards to everything.

I currently have Cofinity insurance, and their policy clearly states they do not cover anything relating to weight loss.

However, my husband will be getting BCBS in a few months and I have read that they may cover WLS. I'm not sure how true this is, I suppose only time will tell.

I'm hoping to find support here, as well as advice on how to proceed with WLS. I look forward to getting to know you all.

- Kari

Hi Kari, I had the Sleeve, and I love it.  I have lost about 96 lbs.  I still need to loose more weight, but I am always going to have to work at it.  That is the thing, this surgery is just a tool, and you will always have to watch what you eat.  I also work out 6 days a week.

I wish I would have done this earlier; I feel so much better, and have been living life again.  I am a Diabetic, and I do not take anymore meds for that.  I do still take one medication for High Blood Pressure, but I am also off my High Cholesterol Meds.

BCBS should cover this, especially of you have health issures.  You will have to go to the doctors, and they can help you through the process.  It took me about 6-12 months to get through the process.  Each case is different.

I am glad I did it!  Hope this helps!  I do not go on this forum very much, so I say Good Luck you You!
Annette 

Hi Kari!

I live in SE Michigan as well. I had the RNY about 4 weeks ago. My husbands BC/BS covered the surgery in full.
I went to Dr. T.Zeni at St Mary hospital in Livonia. Him and his staff are wonderfull.
Where did you go for your seminar?

Jennifer

Hi Kari-

I am 32 and just got scheduled for Sleeve Surgery on November 13th. I also have BCBS and they are covering it. Best of lusk to you.

Thank you all so much for the replies and warm welcome!

 

mommaontheloose - I have not actually gone to the seminar yet, I go on November 1st. :)

 

Kim B. - Good luck to you on your upcoming surgery! I'm very excited for you!

 

I'm happy to hear all these people with BCBS have had their surgeries covered! It gives me a glimmer of hope. Did either of you have difficulties getting approved?

Do you have to go to a certain center or does your insurance let you have a choice?  If you have a choice, check out all their web sites and see what all surgeries they do.  Than find when the seminars are.  Go to as many as you can.  This is something to do while in the thinking stage.  Also something to do is contact your insurance about your policy and see what it covers for you.  My DD had BCBS when she tried to get her sleeve.  They only required a 3 month diet with her BMI but her employer's policy required a six month diet.  If you are required to do this thru your PCP than that is something you can do while in the thinking mode to to get further ahead.  All BCBS is not the same from policy to policy.  My sister had almost no requirements.

Once you know what center you want to go to, check and see if they do all or most of the big four surgeries.  If a center only do band and RNY they will talk you into one of those.  If you want to check into the sleeve also called VSG you need to make sure they do that also.  One our centers here only do band and RNY and the other does band, RNY and the sleeve.  Also down in your area some do band, RNY, sleeve and DS.

Once you know all about your insurance and center options come on back and ask many more questions.  I'm from the Flint area so am most likely to far to get toeather but, PM me any time with any questions you might have.

 

Hi Kari

 

I'm from Michigan and live in Oakland County . I am going through a program at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit.  I had a lot of question too, but found that as I went to the seminar and began researching more my questions started to get answered and my wanting to move forward and have surgery became very clear to me. Most programs have an insurance specialist who will help you threw the insurance portion. 

 

Take the time to research the surgery . I found so much good information on OH and everyone has been so helpful. I have completed all the requirements and I am now waiting for my insurance to approve my request . I wish you much luck on your journey. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me! 

 

 

~ C

Hi there. I had my RNY surgery in August, and I also went through Henry Ford in Detroit. Dr. Carlin is amazing, as is the whole staff. Private rooms are awesome too! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me also. Good luck!

Lisa

Itingrey hi I have just started my journal at Henry ford Macomb and have just met with Sally Green can you share your experience on your experience  there i have two appointments one with Dr. Eshelman and then the following moth the exercise glass, how soon did you meet the doctors? Thanks . by the way what was your experience on the rooms.

Thank you all again so much for the helpful replies! I have been doing loads of research and I know I'll have a ton of questions eventually! My husband will be eligible for BCBS insurance in another month or two, so it is my hope that once we switch to BCBS, I will be able to start getting more information about the WLS. In the mean time, I will continue to do my research.

The plan his company offers is Community Blue PPO Plan 12/0%  - is anyone familiar with this plan? From what his co-workers have told him, it's a very good plan and they cover a lot. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Anyway, thanks so much again. I really appreciate all of the responses. I look forward to getting to know many of you!

- Kari :)