Question:
I HAVE BEEN AND HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF ANNOREXIA/BULIMIA SHOULD I TELL?

Hi, my insurance company is giving me the run around right now. My contact says that i might have to write a diet history. Truth is, I have been bulimic on and off all my life (now i am "in remission" at 370 lbs). Should I even mention to my insurance that my mother was annorexic/bulimic? Should I skip this part of my history when writing it down. I want to say that if they don't approve me, they will be paying for hospital stays because I can not live like this. Any advice?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 1, 2001)

August 1, 2001
I don't know if I would tell the Insurance Co. about this. BUT I would make sure you DEFINATELY tell the DOCTORS!!! I have nothing to base this on but my own feelings.:)
   — Sue72694

August 1, 2001
DO NOT TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR INSURANCE CO. I ran into this problem with my surgeon. He was not going to do surgery on me because in my early 20's I was anerexia and bulimia. But his nurse wanted me to come in and talk with him. So I did and that put him at ease. Because I am already seeing a therapist for depression and I am recovered from eating disorders he went ahead and okay the surgery. I did have a letter from my therapist stating that having this surgery will not harm me in anyway. But I would say if you are still fighting the disorder to go ahead and talk with him about it. Better safe than sorry!!!!!!! I am now 40 yrs of age. Best of Luck Carol
   — CAROL S.

August 1, 2001
You doctor cannot treat you effectively if he doesn't understand what your problems are. You are facing a difficult admission but your doctor needs to meet you where you are to help you get the most benefit out of surgery. Please realize if you do tell you doctor the insurance company can request a copy of your medical record which would effectively be telling the insurance company as well. Touch decision for you. I wish you luck and pray you make the best decision for your health.
   — Shannon S.

August 1, 2001
Talk to your doctor first and explain him your situation. Maybe the doctor's office will help you to write the letter, that would be the best thing to do. I think that to be mentally prepared for this surgery it's a must, because it would be very dangerous to have bulimic episodes after the surgery.
   — Angie D.

August 2, 2001
I am a little upset that someone would tell you NOT to say anything about this, anything that could effect your health should ABSOLUTELY be discussed with your doctor. You need to remember that this is a very serious decision and you must be as honest as possible with your history. As a matter of fact, I had problems with bulemia for years and that was considered as a comorbidity in order for me to be approved for the surgery. Good luck to you and STAY SAFE!!! Take care.
   — Tres J.

August 12, 2001
DO NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PAST EATING DISORDER HISTORY. I had been in 3 eating disorder treatment centers in my early 20's. I am 30 now. I am also in recovery from bulimia. I have my surgery scheuled for early October 2001. If you say that you are a recovering bulimic the surgeon may deny your surgery fearing future propensity to binge. I implore you, DO NOT say anything. My cousin was denied for this surgery because she mentioned that she had bulimia 15 years prior.Best of luck to you.
   — [Anonymous]

August 12, 2001
Interestingly, lies and deceptions are part of the bulimic/anorexia pathology. It is healthier to be honest, including how you are currently handling the problem so that you can get support later if needed. Better that then they review your records and discover you are still psychologically "unbalanced" as evidenced by your need to lie and omit the truth. I told the shrink who evaluated me that I fully expected to need and seek psychological support because of compulsive eating issues and body perception issues. He saw that as me being realistic and able to make good decisions about my care.
   — merri B.