Nervous Newbie!

 Hi guys!  Haven't posted in a while, but here's a quick catch up.  I'm meeting with the folks at Grand Health Partner's here in Michigan on June 7th.  They are pretty much the bariatric specialists in the greater Grand Rapids area.  I'm nervous because I'm not sure if they'll be able to help me with my journey.  I'm 30 years old, have a BMI of 41.3, but not a one of the big 3 of co-morbids (HBP, Type 2 Diabetes, or heart problems).  I've been doing some research on other comorbidities, and I know sleep apnea is one, osteoarthritis is another.  I haven't a clue if I've got sleep apnea or not, but I do know I atleast have signs of osteoarthritis in my knee's.  

I guess right now I'm praying for a miracle, and I need a boost up from my fellow fatties out there (sorry, I handle most things in life that upset me by making cracks about my weight).  I'm so sick and tired of being this over weight pesron, and suffering from constant pain, emotional and phsyical.  Thanks for listening guys, everyone here is great and I'm thankful to have found this place!

 If I remember correctly, I think the "standard" for WLS is a BMI of 40+ or 35+ with co-morbidities. So, if you have a BMI of 41.3 you should be okay. But, every insurance is different and has different requirements. My insurance didn't cover WLS at all...regardless of BMI or co-morbidities so I paid for it myself. Best decision ever. Yes, it was expensive. But,  what is my health worth?? My family wouldn't consider me going to Mexico so I paid more that I could have, but I believe Mexico for self-pay is a very good option.

Good luck with you meeting on 6/7. Keep us posted on how it goes. Keep in mind there ARE always options!

A lot of doctors will haave a sleep study done to be sure about the sleep apnea.  Have you talked to your doctor about having a sleep study? 

I'd say call and schedule a sleep study to check for apnea... your surgeon may require a sleep study prior to surgery anyway, so might as well get it out of the way.

Has your BP ever shown up high? Not enough to warrant medication, but if you have a history of slightly high BPs in your recent physicals, it could be worth mentioning. I don't have medicated high BP, but I do have a history of slight elevation and also had some BP issues just before I delivered my son, so I made sure to make note of that.

I've been pretty lucky with my health too, but my BMI is over 50, so I wasn't concerned with co-morbidities as my insurance asks for BMI over 40 or over 35 w/ 2 co-morbidities.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Hi, I just went through all of this.  My first trip to the surgeons office I didn't get past the receptionist.  I was 37 BMI and  (she thought) no comorbidities.  However, after extra tests,(everything) my pcp found that I had hyperlipodemia.  He wrote a personal letter to the surgeon and I was called for a consultation in 3 days.  Do all the tests, talk to your pcp.  If he will work with you they can usually get you through the door.  Good luck!

 Thanks for all the responses guys.  I have talked to my insurance company and the plan my employer had excludes WLS unless it's deemed medically necessary by a health care professional.  So thats why I am checkin out GHP before I take a trip to Mexico, which I've already looked into.  I have the high BMI, so I think I might be alright, I just have to have a doctor in my corner which I will with GHP.  So keep your fingers crossed for me, and I'll let everyone know more after my appointment on the 7th.  You guys are awesome, and the support I always get from this group means the world to me!! :))

What does your insurance say about BMI and co-morbidities? My insurance called the shots - the doctor just followed along. Check your insurance first.

That said, my insurance covered WLS with a BMI of 40 or over. They covered a BMI of 35-39.9 with 2 co-morbidities. 

That's why you need to find out. It's possible your BMI will be all you need for insurance coverage. No need to look for co-morbidities.

 I will double check with them.  Like I said, the plan my employer has through the insurance company (BCBS of Illinois) excludes weight loss surgery except for medical reasons.  It is possible that my BMI may be enough but I don't know for sure.