Wanting to get the sleeve done
I recommend starting by calling the number on the back of your insurance card and finding out what your coverage/requirements are. From there, get a list of approved surgeons from your insurance company and start calling them!
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Exactly what Gwen said. Insurance first. Also, do you have any comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea etc? BMI has to be over a set number or with one or two comorbidities depending on insurance. I had low BMI but also high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Found out I had sleep apnea as well when I went in for testing prior to surgery. All are gone now....
Good luck! Hope and pray it's covered. Then on to your primary care physician!
-Jan
Height 5'4 Starting weight: 225 Surgery weight: 216 Goal Weight: 135 Surgery date: 1/23/17 Portsmouth, NH
The little engine that could.....
Once you check on your insurance and get a list of surgeons you may find that they have a seminar you can attend. Both surgeons I saw required patients to attend a seminar (online or in person) before getting an initial appointment. The 2nd surgeon I saw, the one who did my sleeve, actually required us to take a test on the seminar before you could be scheduled.
Usually you need a BMI of 35 with co-morbidities such as High blood pressure, sleep apnea and/or diabetes. With a BMI of 34.1 I would make my appointment with the Doc at the end of the day. :)
Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014
Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16
#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets
on 4/2/17 8:54 pm
Cyndie,
I also live in Colorado. Near Colorado Springs. I started with my insurance company and then just picked a dr. from the list. if you are in Colorado Springs Penrose Hospital has a Weight loss clinic. Dr. Fisher is awesome. Their staff knows all about the steps and they even have a woman who was able to tell me exactly what my costs would be. Amazingly I have no copay. The whole procedure will only cost me the $100 for my nutrition consultation. If you are in Denver try the Anchutz Medical Center, I think they have one too. Good luck.
