Hi Ginny, My name is Ingrid. I'm also new to the message board and trying to get MGB approved for myself. Not that it's my health issue, because I am a very good candidate, it's my insurance, or lack of enough. Have you been to any of the Seminars they offer? OHSU offers a free seminar re: the diffrerent Bypass surgeries they offer etc. You can ask questions and it's very helpful. Also I have found that searching and reading online as well as watching the Discovery Health Channel. Today (saturday) I watched a MGB special with the gentleman who played Buck Rogers on TV many years ago. He had gained quite a bit of weight and his health was a huge issue. He researched and spoke with other people who had had the MGB surgery and spoke with a surgeon and his patients that had, had it done. I would urge you to go to thier website and look up todays programing adn review what they had to say about it. It was very successful for him, as a matter of fact his diabetis went away, heart disease adn high blood presure as well as other medical problems associated with obesity. For myself, theres no question in my mind that I want this procedure so that I can LIVE! and have a good quality of life.  I wish you all the best, e-mail me if you like. Ingrid*

Ginny, things may be different today but back when I had my Lap MGB, my insurance completely (90% with BCBS) covered it. My BMI was barely the minimum too. My doctor back when I had my Lap MGB (2001) was Dr. Peter O'Brien in Sioux Falls South Dakota. I'm in Iowa so I had to travel but it was well worth it. Dr. O is an older guy but he knows his stuff.  I think the "issues" with insurance approval or lack of approval, as far as the Lap MGB goes (in my case) also depended on which State you live and the insurance policies and practises  within your state. I DO KNOW that if you're from NC where Dr. R is from (I think)......and if you have insurance there and want to submit........."FORGET IT". MGB is considered experimental (or some crap like that) in NC. My state.....not an issue! $18,000  is pretty stiff but when you consider that in 2001, my insurance was billed about $20-$25K.  Another option is to go abroad. Manyt people wouldn't even consider it but a LOT of people do it these days. You can get a Lap RNY or a Lap DS for $10,000. Something to at least think about. Best wishes to you and I hope you have great sucesses with you insurance company. Peggy/IA [email protected] 

I have heard from most people here on the board that Dr.Ruthledge doesnt accept insurance for the mini bypass and that the other drs dont either. I have read on here that he does accept insurance for the mini RNY though. With the mini bypass you have to pay all upfront and then try to get your insurance to reimburse you. I have heard several people also say that b/c it is an out of pocket medical expense that you can write the amount of on your taxes, so thats some help I think so some people. I wish you the best in your decision and I know there are several other people on here who can give you some first hand advice about the mini bypass and insurance.  I am also considering the mini bypass and I have contacted Dr.Ruthledge's office about insurance and financial concerns. They were very nice but told me that most of their patients get financing and they gave me some websites to go to that they have done business with before who basically give a patient a line of credit for the surgery and the patient makes payments on it. Also another thing I have read on here is that if insurance doesnt cover the surgery or reimburse you for it that if any complications arise from surgery they will not be covered by said insurance company. I have heard that there are very low risks of complications with the MGB compared to other WLS but there still are risks of complications. I have seen two people who posted on the forum that have had complications and they maybe able to help you with any questions regarding that aspect of the surgery. I am sure there are others on here who will be of better help to you though. Goodluck on your journey and I hope the best for you. Juls/pre-op 260lbs, 28yrs old, 5'3

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I am so happy for you. I hope things continue to go so well for you. I am thinking hard about having the MGB surgery and its comforting to hear that you are doing so well. I wish you tons of success and hope you will keep us all updated on how you are feeling and doing. Goodluck and God Bless you in all things. Juls/pre-op 260lbs,28yrs old, 5'3 P.S. I plan on making a move to Colorado Springs soon which is pretty near to your Pueblo. I think CO is such a beautiful state. Right now I am a Kansas girl and cant wait to make the move West.