Concerned about approval at my age

Hey everybody, Let me start off by saying I think it's wonderful how so many people have come together at this site to give and receive support!! It is sooo nice having people to talk to who know what I'm going through. Now to my question: Has anyone had trouble getting approved by their insurance due to their young age? I'm not at the approval point yet, but I will be in less than a month. Now I'm literally working my ass off to lose 10% of my weight by early Sept. and I just worry that because I'm young (23, but married for 3 years) and I don't have any "life-threatening" co-morbidities (just back and joint pain) that my insurance will turn me down. I guess this is all stemming out of the fact that at my initial surgeon's appointment, in April, after seeing two nurses, I was led to another nurse (the one in charge of going over payment options, legal stuff, etc.) and she starts off by giving me a dirty look and saying "Just to let you know, we don't usually do surgery on anyone under 25. So, be prepared when you talk to the surgeon that he probably will tell you that he won't do it yet." Now, I don't know what the dirty look was for, whether it was because of my age or because I'm considered a "lightweight", but the surgeon basically told me he'd have no problem doing the surgery. I am 100 pounds overweight w/ a BMI of 40 and even though I might look "solid" more than flabby (thanks to a life of playing soccer) doesn't mean I don't feel like a blimp most of the time! I just worry that it won't be enough to get approved by my insurance. I'm afraid that if I get turned down I'll get depressed and start gaining weight again. Let me know what you all think!

Jamie, I was approved by Aetna (I'm not sure what Ins you have) back in April and I was 23 at that time. As long as you can prove your a candidate for the surgery you should have no problem. If it's your surgeon's office who's saying that your too young, then personally I would look into another surgeon because most surgeons have a minimum age of 16, not 23 or something outrageous like that. Becky

Your surgeon is the one who is going to be doing the job, not the crabby office people! If your surgeon told you that HE has no problem doing it there should be nothing to worry about. As for approval all that matters is the ins company's requirements/polocies, nothing to do w/ your surgeon except if he is "out of network". I too was 23 (I just turned 24) when I had my surgery. I did not have diabetes or high BP. All I had was pain in my feet, stress incontinance, asthma, and depression with a BMI of 46. Depending on your insurance, usuly a BMI of 40 or above does not need comorb's for approval. But, you have back and joint pain that will give even more of a reason for a need for surgery. Those are comorb's as well according to my surgeon. I would say that if you feel confident in your surgeon go forward with the process of him doing the surgery, but if in the future someone in his office says that he absolutly will not do it because of your age ask to speak with him and if he says that he decided not to because of your age go to another surgeon.

I don't think you are too young... I got approved last week and I am only 22. Even though some doctors may feel you're too young to have surgery others don't. My PCP thought I was too young to even consider having surgery and would not give me a referal to see a surgeon so I switched PCPs. Its really up to your surgeon and if he doesn't operate on anyone under 25 then just find one who will. Good Luck to you.

Hi Jamie, I don't think age has much to do with the decision by the insurance companies... I am 23, and had my surgery almost a week ago. I can see them having an issue if you were 13 or 15, because you aren't done growing yet, but being 23, you are done with all of that. I don't think age should be a consideration with the insurance... if anything it can also be considered a bonus, being younger you are able to bounce back from surgery more quickly than someone who is in their 50's. The risks are less with someone who is younger... However, I have never heard of a DR having an age limit of 25, seems odd to me... Maybe the lady was just having a bitter day and taking it out on you... But good luck with your approval and your up comming surgery! Good Luck! : Bridget

Hey I was 24 getting ready to turn 25 when I got approved. I had no co morbities just the back pain like you said and I got approved on the first letter. As far as the Nurse goes you should have put her in her place because if she takes a look at the news there was a guy & a girl who had it done at age 17, It was on the news and internet, also she probably thinks that because you are young you are doing it for the wrong reasons, but that is not her place to judge. i wouldn't worry about it hon it's ultimately up to the Insurance Co to decide and when you get your approval guess who's gonna be as sweet as pie.... That B**ch A** Nurse

i was 19 when my surgeon said he would do my surgery as long as all my pre testing turned out right, by the time i actually had surgery i was 20, so if you are agood candidate for the surgery and your surgeon denies you because of your age , look for another surgeon.

Hey, thanks so much everybody! I found all your comments and insights very reassuring! I know I meet the qualifications for surgery, and my surgeon confirmed that. It's just getting close to approval time and I'm really anxious. You know, you work so hard that you just don't want it all to be ignored! I don't think age should matter either, but like I said, I'm just excited and don't want anything to go wrong. I'm the kind of person that likes to take care of every avenue. You all have been so great though, and I'm really thankful for your help!

Hey Jamie. I am 22 1/2 years young. I was approved finally in July. MY surgery date is Aug 29th. Anyways I was worried about being approved too because of my age but most surgeons what you to be at least 18. Mine did, but I was still worried about them saying well you are young and can get this weight off. I just showed them my dieting history and my famliy history and was approved by the surgeon ( who is very picky) and my insurance ( which is military and hard to deal with) well anyways I hope all goes well.. It took forever to be approved and I gained weight back (and was depressed )and now I am haulin ass to get it off.. I am losing about a pound a day. To sum this up..lol. I hope it all works out for you melissa

I am 23 and I had no problem. My surgeon's limit is 18 but has done younger. If they wont do it .. definitely find someone that will. I know most of the doctors in my area have a limit of age between 18 - 60. Good luck!