New here...need some help please

Hello all... Im Jerred...in Claremore, OK (just east ot Tulsa) Im 23...5'10, 300lbs...overweight all my life, have tried every diet in the book, including pills and the B-12 shots or whatever they are... high blood pressure, asthma, severe depression (stems directly from the obesity).....which in itself causes a whole load of other problems... Im really intersted in learning more about the surgeries available, and if Im a good candidate... the biggest problem right now is that I work for myself, and dont have any insurance...so my biggest question is what insurance companies will cover the surgery...and how do I go about getting a plan on my own... any help with these problems is greatly appreciated.. thank you

Just a suggestion - post your question on the main (nationwide) message board too - you'll get a lot more replies than here in Oklahoma. I just had the Lap Band surgery almost 2 weeks ago. I did a lot of research (I do recommend you do a lot of research on this site), and for me it was the best choice. Much less invasive, less risk, reversible if necessary. I have insurance but it won't pay for any type of weight loss surgery. Good luck!

mind if I ask....what kind of insurance do you have? did you have to pay out of pocket?...if so how much? thanks

Jarred, I am new also. I have done a lot of research on this site and many others. I went to an information seminar in Enid given by Dr. Walton. He is the only one in this area that does the surgery. I go this Wednesday for my first appointment with him. I have all of my medical records to take along. I have called my insurance and they will pay. I know there will be hoops we will have to jump through for them to OK it but I am willing to try anything at this point. They told us in the seminar I went to that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma will not pay. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of other states will pay. I am not sure why that is but that is what they told us there. If you click on "insurers" on the left side of the page and it will give you information about insurance company's. Hope this helps.

I do not have any answers to your questions but I just wanted you to know if u ever need anyone to talk to I am here for u, U can e-mail me any time. My name is Tabitha. I am looking for support and also trying to give support any way I can be of help.

A Big Welcome to ya just droping by....Tina

I have United Health Care and they are one of the easiest to get approval for. I was approved in 1 or 2 days. I had a 41 BMI I'm 5'5 or 5'6 and weighed 258 lbs I had knee surgery on both knees last year (Sept and Dec) but other than that had no co-morbs. I used Dr Gorospe in Tulsa He is AWESOME!!!! He is one of the only people in this area that puts aring so you don't stretch out your opening and that helps you stay full longer which is one of the biggest reasons for prople that regain after surgery. He has a great support group that meets monthly and he comes to each meeting. We even go on a trip to like Cancun once a year and he and his wife come. He truely cares for his patients and he is one of the top 5 bariatric surgeons in the country. Janice 258/209/150 goal