Frustrated in Beloit

I was wondering if anyone out there has any info that could help me out. I'm 32 currently weigh 231.5, 5'6". My BMI is 37. I found a doctor in Texas that is considering doing the gastric bypass surgery for me, but I don't want to travel all the way to Texas to have it done. My problem is that I can't find a doctor around here that will do the surgery until my BMI is at 40 or greater, unless I have another health related problem. I have tried all kinds of diets & nothing works. My father's side has a high risk of heart diease. He had a heart attack in his early 50's & his father & both of his brothers died of heart attacks in their early 50's, but that doesn't seem to matter to the doctors. I just got off the phone with my doctor who is going to order a sleep study just to see if I have sleep apnea. I don't want to keep gaining weight just so the docotors around here will consider doing the surgery as I'am already miserable. Anyone with any advice? Thanks for reading, Dawn

Did you try BTC (Barix) in Belvidere, IL? The brochure they put out has BMI with 37 and co morbidities.

I tried them also, but my insurance won't cover their clinic, but thanks for the suggestion.

have you tried DR. Christopher Neilson at Rice Medical Center in Stevens Point WI. He was my surgon last month, now im down 49 lbs in26 days

Thanks for the suggestion. No I haven't tried him yet. I will give it a shot though. I was looking on here at the reviews for that doctor in Texas I've been talking with & it sounds like he is a really great doctor. I may just decide to go with him. If I have it in the winter time I could leave a few days early enjoy some warm weather & then have the surgery. I just wonder how long I would have to be there & if I could fly back home after having the surgery. I guess those are quetions I would need to ask him before hand. Again thanks for the suggestion & congrats on the great weight loss . I look forward to being able to say that some day!!

Good luck in your search. If you have surgery in Texas have you found someone local to do follow up care? and do you know if your insurance will pay for follow up care? Just some thoughts.

Hi Dawn, I am also from Beloit. I too am going thru trying to get my surgery covered. I finally have an appointment in Milwaukee with a Dr. Siverhus. Just thought it would be nice for you to hear from someone in your home town. It is very frustrating I know. Keep your chin up and keep trying. Good Luck, Linda

Try Dr. Kothari at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse. They have a great team approach to the surgery and might be able to help you. I was just approved, and they are saying six-eight months until a surgery date. Rose

Hi Dawn, I'm also from Beloit & have just started trying to get qualified for surgery. Just wondering, have they looked for any insulin resistance? It doesn't necessarily have to be high enough to be diabetes in order to be considered a co-morbidity. Keep us posted & good luck!

No I haven't had that test done yet. I called my PCP the other day & told him that I want every test ran that I could possible have that might help me get the surgery approved. He is having me go in for a sleep study, but they can't get me in until 10/25 . I explained to the appointment lady that I wanted to have this surgery so she put me at the top of the cancellation list. I really would like to have the surgery by the winter time. That is when things slow down at work & our hours are cut. This way I won't miss work when are at 40 hours. Thanks for the suggestion.