Hello everyone!

I haven't posted on here in like a year or so.

My last issue was that my BMI was 36 and I didn't have any co-morbidities, so I was trying to figure out how to get the surgery done.

Well... now over a year later, my BMI got up to 41, and had the following problems:

Planter facitis
Migraines
Lower back pain
Sleep study done and outcome was no issues (bittersweet)
Found overian cyst
Found left kidney cyst
Pre-hypertension blood pressure
Knees aching (onset of arthritis??)

So, I finally completed my 6 month supervised diet and lost 25 lbs.  I'm waiting to forward that to my weight loss Dr. next week, and hopefully my insurance will approve me so I can get a date set.  I'm so excited I can't stand it!!!

What do you all think - think they will approve me?  I'm crossing my fingers.  I just want this to be done so I can start losing the weight!!!

BTW - I have Altius insurance... any info would help.  Thanks!!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/UT/4184151/Hello-fellow-Utahns/

I have Aenta and I was just approved with that being said my BMI was 47 so I met the requirements just on weight alone.... No I'm not proud of that but glad by surgery is set for Oct 20.  I will be crossing my fingers for you. 

I live in Ut but will be having the surgery in AZ.  (required by my insurance) 

Wow!  AZ huh?  That's weird.  With the excellence center being in SLC, you would think they would want you to go there.  That is where I'm going to have my surgery at.  My BMI was 41 before, and now I think I'm down to 37.  Well, thanks for your comment, and good luck on your surgery.  Keep us all posted!

I know it's crazy but according to Aetna there is not a registered center of excellence in the Sate of Utah?  It would of been nice to not have to go so far but my choice was AZ, CO, and NV so I went with AZ as it was closer... 

I will keep you posted as I get closer to the surgery.... :) 

That is way wierd because the Salt Lake Regional hospital has two Dr.'s that are registered at that center of excellence.  That is the only way that my Dr.'s would be approved.  I wonder what listing they were looking at.  I would fight that if I were you, or maybe just call them and tell them that the one is SLC is in fact a COE.

My Dr. stated last year when I saw her that she would have me do the 2 week pre-op diet of drinking only liquids so it would shrink my liver and she could go in laprascopically, so that's the freakiest thing that I think I'm looking ahead at.

Well, good luck, and yes keep me posted for sure!

http://www.bmiut.com/

Maybe provide your insurance with this link ^^^

I think it sounds like you have met everything Altius requires. 

Hopefully so... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

So I met all conditions and my surgery is set for March 12th! I can't wait!!

Curious to know how surgery went.  Did you have the sleeve or bypass?  I am researching both to see which would be better and would appreciate any feedback.  Thanks.  Christi

Hi Christi!  My surgery went very well.  I am at 3 1/2 months and down 43 lbs.  I know it's not a crazy amount like most others, but when I actually went in for surgery I weight 220 lbs.  It get's slower the lower you get.  I had the sleeve and I'm soooo glad I did.  I have to lose about 90-100 lbs., so nothing too drastic.  I would say, depending on how much you have to lose, is what surgery I would do.  If you have over 100 lbs., then do the bypass.  It's a more serious surgery and you will lose more with it.  If you have under 100 lbs. to lose, then go with the sleeve.

Good luck on whatever you choose. 

Thank you so much!  I may have no choice if my insurance (Altius Federal) won't cover the sleeve.  I am about where you were when you started.  I am at 225 and at 5'2", I really should weight about 110 so that is over 100 pounds.  I am just concerned about complications from the traditional bypass.  Mostly intestinal blockage and malabsorption issues I have heard about.  Thanks again and congratulations!  Christi

That is the exact insurance that I have. They do cover the sleeve, but you have to jump through all their hoops and make sure you get EVERYTHING documented. Get all your records together from all your Dr.'s for anything about weight. Submit it all to them at the same time. They require a 6 month Dr. supervised diet and you have to go in once a month and meet with your Dr. Once you've done all that, you should be good to go. I would go with the sleeve - I'm so glad that I did.

Good luck, and let me know how it all turns out for you.