Question:
What do I do if I don't get the surgeons approval?

   — Janet F. (posted on November 5, 1999)

November 5, 1999
My suggestion would be to get a second opinion, My Dr. was Alan Newhoff on Thomas Rd, he's really a good Dr and he's done over 3000 surgerys, also been doing the surgery for over 20 years. He has a slide show of the procedure, the web site is www.samaritanaz.com, I hope all goes well for you, and if you have any questions feel free to email me anytime @ [email protected]. Pam
   — Pam P.

November 5, 1999
Janet: Something sounds a little strange to me. Are you close to a Bariatric Treatment Center? They are in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. Anyhow, if you are 160 pounds overweight and it is a covered procedure if medically necessary, then you should be able to get a surgeon's approval. I had no trouble with that at all. Any BMI above 40 is considered morbidly obese. If you are anything like me, you've got swelling in your ankles and knees, joint pain from the weight, probably some gastric reflux or bad heartburn, etc. In any case, just the weight makes it medically necessary. Contact your insurance company to see if it is a covered procedure if medically necessary and then find a doctor that is on your side!
   — Mary B.

November 6, 1999

   — Fran B.