Question:
I have a few questions

First my BMI is 37 I am 5 7 and weigh 237. I do have a family history of heart problems, diabeties,. I have been diagnosed with asthma when I exert myself. I have add back problems for the past 5 years constantly throwing it out. I called DR. Pam Gaswirt's office she is located at the Beth Isreal in Boston Ma. When I asked to make an appointment to see her they said they would send it out to me. This was on July 16th ( nothing yet) I am so anxious to get this started because I now that it takes many months. I was hoping to have it done before Christmas. I quess I should stop rambling and ask my questions I want to know if anyone has Tufts HMO? If so, did you have difficulty getting approved? Has anyone used Dr Gaswirt? Also how can I prepare for my initial consult with the surgeon?    — judy S. (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 19, 2002
hi there i would get back on the phone to the doctor be persistant but nice remember the sqeaky wheel gets the oil lol i was very prepared called alot if i felt i was waiting too long i didnt want to be forgotten because i was on a time deadline as my job is moving to china soon and i feared id lose my job and insurance before i even got aproved another thing i did to save time was have phone numbers and fax numbers of my pcp and surgeon that way if they ever needed to communicate or whatever i knew it would be done asap the whole thing went rather fast for me this way my pcp got me a referal for surgeon within 2 days after seeing him in dec 02 i had to go through some pre op tests and by feb 8 02 i had surgery i waited 1 week for aproval which is not bad at all but ill tell ya it was the longest week of my life lol i would go to the surgeon with a list of any comrbids you have experienced and a list of all the diets or programs you have ever been on. most surgeons will ask what you have tried to get the weight off in the past best of luck to you
   — carrie M.

July 20, 2002
For what it's worth, I was told by three different medical sources (all of whom do bariatric surgery) that even though the guidelines are BMI of >40 and 100 lbs. overweight are required to be approved by insurance companies for the surgery (any of the procedures). Although they say a BMI of between 35 and 40 with comorbidities make you eligible, apparently few insurers will approve this. Good luck with yours.
   — Arlene S.