Question:
I'm 16 and my BMI is 46.8.I've been trying to find out how to go about getting approv

I'm 16 and my BMI is 46.8.I've been seriously considering the surgery and I've been trying to find out how to go about getting approved for the surgery and who to talk to about getting started.    — Jessica B. (posted on November 30, 2004)

November 30, 2004
Good luck on you upcoming journey. I had WLS 3-2003 and my 15 year old son had his surgery 10-27-04 this year he had optima insurance and was denied due to his age on the first go round. Stay positive this is a wonderful life changing surgery. He has already lost 57.5 lbs in on month. Please stay positive all things will work out for you. God bless you as you progress towards being a healtier young adult.
   — CAROL LEE

November 30, 2004
Because of your age you will need to have your parents approval in this whole matter. First you will need to have them contact your insurance company to find out if you are covered for the surgery and what requirements they have for the patient. You may have to have 6-12 months of a doctor supervised diet trys, you may have to go to your family personal care physician (PCP) to be given the go ahead to seek out a surgeon. Some insurance companies will let their customers go straight to the surgeon, but you need to find out if you need to see your PCP first for the referral. Try to find a surgeon that is interested in helping a teenager. Too bad that you are not in the Chicago area because my bariatric surgeon's office has a special program for teens that are seeking WLS. Good luck.
   — ChristineB

November 30, 2004
Hi Jessica, Keep coming to this website and any others you can find about surgery. Learn all you can before making the final decision about whether or not you want to have surgery and if so which type of surgery you would like to have. I researched for over 4 years before I finally took the plunge and I am 27. I can honestly tell you that I am happy I waited and learned all I could because my whole life is changing and I am really prepared for it. You will find your own way on this journey. Just remember that this is a lifelong committment to your health and well being, but it is not easy. If you would like to email me with any questions please feel free:-) Hugs, Sara
   — Sara A

November 30, 2004
Hi there, have you thought of the adjustable lap-band? You are so young and to rearrange your organs at such a young age would be really sad. Look into the lap-band. Talk to your parents about it. Good luck to you.
   — saras

November 30, 2004
Hi, Jessica. How long have you been looking into this surgery? I agree with researching this surgery as much as possible. It is a HUGE lifestyle change. I know how unhappy life can be as a teen and being overweight as well as a lot of people on here so if this is what you really want, I completely support you. First off, have you checked out the Teen WLS forum on here? If not, you should. I think you'd really fit in well there. Not to knock anyone else on here, but it's for the younger crowds (I'm 20) and everyone is more our age there. Next, besides that, I would suggest calling your insurance company and flat out asking them what their requirements are for them to approve the surgery. Who is your insurer? I know some insurance companies won't approve you unless your atleast 18, so you might have some fighting to do. Also, once you find out what they require for approval of the surgery, they should also have a list of surgeons they have in their network. Ask if you could get that list, or if your insurance company has a webpage, if they have the surgeons listed on there and where to find that list. Then, once you find out what surgeons they cover, then start researching those surgeons, call them and get information packets, look on here to see if there's any reviews for those surgeons and see if they have any support groups you can attend with previous patients of the surgeons to ask questions about them, etc. Do some shopping around for your surgeon. Once you find one you like, call up their office and speak with them about how you're interested in the bariatric surgery program, what they offer and what you need to do next to start the process with them, etc. I hope that this gives you someplace to start. Let me know if you need anymore help!! Keep us informed with your progress! Good luck!!
   — m_bultman