New here and considering surgery - lots of questions!

Hi everyone. I am new here and currently considering surgery. I am doing a lot of research right now and would love some insight from people who have been there and who understand. Currently I am 35 years old, 5'4", and 210 lbs. My BMI is 35.9 and I know I am right on the edge of people who are approved for surgery and people who are not. I don't think I have any co-morbidities that would qualify me with my BMI, but I could be wrong since my sleep apnea test that I had a while ago was deemed "inconclusive" and I never went back for a second sleep study.

Anyway, I have an appointment with my PC on 1/5 and I plan to discuss this with him. I want to try and get approved with the insurance company at the weight I am at now, but to be honest with you the difference between my BMI and a BMI of 40 which I know is more likely to be approved is 23 lbs for me. If I am denied, I am honestly considering just try to gain the 23lbs because at this point, what's another 23lbs?! Plus, if I don't pursue the surgery, I will probably gain the 23 lbs eventually over time anyway since my weight has progressively been going up every year since I got married 11 1/2 years ago.

Soooooo, that's my story. I have a very good friend who has the RNY about a year ago and has had amazing results with little to no complications. She has definitely been my inspiration in even thinking about this.

So my questions for all of you are:

1) Is there anyone here who was approved with a BMI under 40?
2) How about insurance? Anyone have BCBSRI and what were your experiences with them?
3) How long does it generally take in RI from the time you begin the process for the surgery until the day you have it?

and most importantly: 4) If you have had RNY, have you had any complications and/or would you recommend this to someone considering it?

Thank to everyone in advance for your advice!

Liza

Hi Liza welcome to the RI board!!
1.) I cannot answer this one as I had way more to loose than that I weighed in day of surgery at 439.
2.) That is the insurance that I had when I was going for mine. They were awesome my doc submitted my paperwork and they approved the testing as well as the surgery the first time no extra stuff was needed from me.
3.)It took me about a year for the approval all the testing and the to get a date.
5.) I had the RNY and have not had anything that I would consider a complication. Some foods still bother me like pork and hot dogs and I am lactose intolerant and have just slightly low Iron. Honestly though I will take it. I am 4 years out and still loosing. I now weigh 190. I would defiantly recommend it to someone that is ready and has researched it. Fell free to ask away that is what we are here for!!  Good luck!!!!
Diana

Thank you for your response Diana and congrats on your amazing weight loss!!! One more question - with BCBSRI, is there a portion that the patient ends up paying out of pocket, or is all of it covered by insurance?

Thanks again and take care!

Liza

Hi Liza,

Welcome!
I can't answer you about the BMI under 40. Mine was 46 when I had it done 2 weeks ago. But I can tell you that BCBS is awesome. My doctor's office did everything for me and I was approved without any problems. The best thing to do is to call the 800 number on the back of you card and ask if they cover baratric surgery. It only took me 3 months to get everything done and have my surgery. Good luck

~Nancy

Hi Liza,    My BMI is 39.   I am 227 at this time and in the process of getting the surgery.   I do, however, have the co-morbidites that go with obesity.  People say that i don't look like i qualify, but apparently i really do.  This has been the hardest decision i have ever made.  This is going to change everything about me.  I will not be able to eat the things i enjoy to eat.  I will not be able to eat the amount i am accustomed anymore even if the food is awesome.  Some people out there think this is "the easy way out", but it is not.  With a diet, if you cheat, you just don't lose weight.  With RNY if you cheat, there are some serious repercussions.  You can get very sick from the wrong foods and if you don't chew enough before swallowing thats another issue, you HAVE HAVE HAVE  to take vitamins for the rest of your life or you can become deathly ill ( my best friend is going thru that now-  NOT good!).  So you have to be very sure that you can do these changes forever.  Its a really tough decision.  At least it is for me.  I love my comfort foods.  But you know, i have tried everything else, and i am not good at being a diabetic, my blood pressure is too high, choles. the same.  If i want to live and see my kids grow up, I need to do some drastic measures and this is it.  I know my family and friends support me and the people on this website are AWESOME.  I went to the seminar back in June of 08 and i am going for my 2nd appt with the surgeon next Tuesday.   Then the surgery.  So a little over 6 months for me to get all the testing and approval so far.  I hope that helps and good luck with your searching!   Eldy