UGH .. what a lovely day lol i got denied from bc/bs of IL today ... my first time trying so i'm not gonna give up... however they denied me strictly because of my age (still only 17 turning 18 in july) ... and before you call me retarded and tell me to wait until july ... i have insurance through my wicked step mother, so as soon as i'm out of highschool which is this may... she is dropping me from the plan ... i adore her I was just wondering if anyone my age knows of any insurance companys that have previously approved a minor ... my surgeon has no problem with my age ... I will name my first born after you if you can help lol can you tell i'm despirate? Seriously any information from anyone would be helpful.. thanks

Hey everyone. I am a little behind on this post, but here it goes. My name is D., I'm 22 years old, and I am from New Orleans. I hope to be married in a few years (not yet engaged)! I'm currently going to LA Tech. I am a first year grad student in psychology (general counseling). I have been on this WLS journey since Nov. '04. I just got approved by my insurance co. for Lap GB. I am tentatively scheduled for May 20, 2005. I am very anxious about what's about to take place in my life. I have a wonderful support system with my family and friends. I hope that this will make a big difference in my life.

I was diagnosed bipolar. I had the RNY lap done a year ago this past month. I actually was denied by the first two psycharist I saw for the psych testing or whatever it's called. They felt that with me been bipolar I would not be able to handle a surgery like this. Both psycharist never explain in very much detail why they said no... even my surgeon when he got the response back from both of them the dening me of the surgeon and the explaination did not make much sense. Now my insurance just needed a psycharist to say yes she's okay for surgery that's all they needed plus saying that I would be under their care for the next year post op. This is what might be needed to get her approved for surgery. Actually, this might just be me but my syptoms of bipolar disorder have subsided very much to the point from 5 medications to 1 medication daily and 1 as needed.

Do any of you know someone who is bipolar who has had WLS and if so, the pros and cons they have endured? I know of a young (almost 18) girl who is nearly 400 lbs. and she is being denied WLS due to her being diagnosed as bipolar. She is also diabetic with several other health issues. Any feedback, info would be appreciated! DJ 250/185/140

Hi! I am 16, 5'7 and I weigh 419...you or your daughter can write me! I have a profile on here if you want to read it...i have heard as young as 13, BUT...it is more difficult to find a surgeon willing, as most doctors perform only on 18 or 25 and up...even some say that is too young. I am still pre op, although I am getting a date this week...I have to say, that I feel if you don't do something now, then it will only continue to get worse...weight and health wise...my suggestion is to NOT have her jump into anything too soon...let her see you the first 6 months...to REALLY see where this goes...good and bad. i would go to the doctors and find a right diet exercise rigeme for her. try that first...surgery is VERY drastic and should NOT be taken lightly...she needs to REALLY understand this, and be willing to commit to it fully. One of the reasons surgeons don't perform on teens is because, well...most are not ready. she needs to research this on her own, and try littlier steps before jumping into WLS. I am not trying to say that she should just diet...I am just saying that you should probaly go to her pcp and see what they say as to it. But i do believe that she should wait until you at least 6 months to a year out before she decides....I hope I helped!