Get a different job with different insurance.  I had mine at the U of I....Only had to wait two weeks for an appointment and had my surgery two months from my first appointment date.  I have Blue Cross Blue Shield.  If you can't get a different job, take out separate insurance maybe?  I'd do whatever I had to! Shannon

Well, it is January 2008 and I have hit my last road block that is stopping me from getting the surgery.  I found out the the reason my insurance company won't pay for the surgery is that they believe it is too risky and they don't want to take on the risk.  I even sent in an application to the University of Iowa hospital and since my surgery has two (2) exclusions regarding obesity, they won't even put me on the waiting list.  I have been hopeful but now the air is slowly deflating out of my balloon.  I know I could self pay if I could afford it but that is not an option.  I can't try to finance money when I have no extra money.  It is getting harder to walk and breathe for any distance.  My husband now has to help me put on my socks because I can't bend over that far.  I am 38 years old and sitting at 447 and miserable.  I live in Iowa, so traveling is also an issue for long distance.  I know there is no miracle drug out there, because I think I have tried them all.   I have learned that if you think it is too good to be true, it is!  I have cut back on my calorie intake but now since I have a mobility problem, exercise is quite difficult.  I try to do as much as I can.  I even went to the different talk show websites, like Oprah (for example) and told my story but I haven't heard from any of them in over a year.  My insurance is with United Health Care and I even had my HR person contact them, and they won't budge on their decision.  I have went thru 3 levels of appeals with all declines.  I am married but my husband is disabled and can't do alot of part time jobs.  I have two children and I just want to be able to go for a walk with them.  Taking a bath in a bathtub without any aids would make me on cloud 9.  Is there anyone out there that could let a little light in at the end of my tunnel?

Hello everyone. I recieved an email from my support group leader asking if anyone knew of a support group near Algona Iowa, There is a lady that lives about 30 miles north of there and needs a support group but cannot drive the distance to attend the Mason City group. Was wondering if anyone out there knew of other groups in that area or even near Minnesota. If you know of any please email me at [email protected]. Thanks for your help.  Tonja (clsnowbaby67)

I am leaning towards Dr Ortiz. I like his affiliation with Fill Centers so there is follow up care.   My out of pocket will be close to what I would have had to pay even with insurance. I considered your surgeon also, but the Fill Center affiliation has given weight towards Dr Ortiz

Try to find another way.  Don't go to Mexico.  I've read horror stories about post op problems and no one here in the states willing to treat you.  There are places that you can finance.  Should be a link somewhere on this site. You may not have any post op issues, but what if you do?