60 BMI the Insurance Trend Now?

Paul, # 5, 7 & 8 are very interesting, ideas I had not considered before. I agree that it is nice to address these difficult issues, and disagree, but in a friendly manner. Take care. JP

Great point, Paul! I noticed there were several women in my pre-op classes and when I asked them why the Lap Band they all said (3 of them) that it wasn't as drastic as RNY and they could always go to RNY if the band failed. Pretty ridiculous given that my HMO doesn't do non-medically necessary revisions, but it does reinforce your thesis about the difference between men and women when it comes to the band.

When I was watching TV in the hospital I saw that lapband.com commercial again, which I'm sure we've all seen. Scary to say the least since it is marketed as some sort of cosmetic procedure and seems to be more marketed to women. I don't like the trend, but where there is a dollar to be made, there will be surgeons willing to perform surgeries without proper psych care, post-op care, and pre-op preparedness.

Unfortunate!

Interesting observation but I do hope you are incorrect as I have yet to get my insurance approval and have a BMI in the mid 40's with no co-morbidities (that I am aware of). The doctor's "people" at the seminar made it sound as if I should not have a problem with my particular company. I am still nervous as I cannot do the surgery until August and hope (and pray) the policies do not change by then. For me, no insurance = no surgery. All the best, Chris

Hey Dave, American Diabetes Association is looking into RNY as a possible cure for type II diabetes. That is why I am working towards it. I am BMI 36-37 and will meet with the surgeon on the 13th. BCBS of ND has not uttered a word yet, hope they don't start. Brian

Thanks, guys for posting so much while I was asleep.

Great discussion and information!

Dave

Dave, Here in the South (and most places still) It's--- 35 BMI with comorbiditiess or 40 and above without.... I was only at 50.3 when I started.  And Now?  These gifs are Way too much fun.... Best Wishes- Dx

Hi Dx,

Wonder if there is a shoe-in BMI figure, one where the insurance companies stop giving you the run-around?

Dave

Hi all - thought I'd reply since I just took out $9,000 from savings, and finalized my loan for the other $9,000 for my surgery in 2 weeks.   I am a professional with insurance that I've always been happy with (paying for all my medical problems related to my weight).   I am 6'8" and weigh 547 (BMI just above 60), and my policy won't cover my surgery.   I have Hypertension, Gastro-Esophogeal Reflux, Sleep Apnea, Degenerative Joint Disease, and I'm a borderline Diabetic.   Even with all this, my insurance wouldn't budge.  I went through all the appeals and was denied everytime with the rationale, "your policy does not include this procedure."    Anyway, I just wanted to add my experience.   I'm convinced it just depends on how your state deals with insurance companies in general (in Utah the insurance companies - IHC specifically - are a major influence on our state legislature).   My BMI and co-morbidities meant absolutely nothing to my insurance.   One day they will realize the $18,000 for the surgery is a cost saver for their companies, but until then we will continue to drain our savings and go into debt to get this life-saving procedure. That said - although I'm disappointed (pissed as hell) that my insurance company won't pay - I'm 100 percent happy with my decision to spend this money on myself.   I'm moving forward with no regrets, and I'll smile every month as I write the check to my Credit Union to pay back the loan for this surgery.    Chuck