Just starting out!!!

HI to everyone! The beginning of this month I went to a seminar at Hurley Bariatric. I am going for a consultation on Wednesday, April 4th. Yesterday I went to my doctor and talked to him about it and he says he cannot recommend me for the surgery because he does not consider me morbidly obese. I am 5'5" and weigh 246 - whichmakes my MBI 41. I am thinking that I might not beable to get my insurance company to cover me without my doctor's approval. Anyone have any suggestions/comments or anything that could shed some light for me. I am so tired of my doctor trying to tell me how to lose weight, increase exercise - etc. Don't they know some of us who are overweight know all this already and just cannot seem to lose it and keep it off. Cindy :)

Grrrr some Drs just don't get it. I had a Dr tell me I wasn't eligible either and I had BMI of 44 at time. If I hadn't listened to him...I might not have gotten up to BMI of 60! Change Drs if you can. Check out what your insurance has to say about coverage. What their determination is. I just had my open rny done at Hurley on 3/13/07 and they were great. Good luck on your journey.

WOW - you just had your's done....that is beautiful....Things will only get better from here on out....Thank you for your comments - I'm not gonna give up - even if I have to get a loan to pay for it myself..I deserve to be happy.

Hi Cindy, I just went through the whole approval process. Who is your insurance carrier? If your doctor won't support your decision, CHANGE DOCTORS!! I wasted ten years by keeping a doctor who wouldn't even discuss surgery. His comment was just stop eating so much. I finally got a doctor who is supportive and caring and together we were successful. Just my 2 cents worth. Best of Luck to you, Joni

Hi, Thanks for your reply!!!! I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO. If I cannot get him to see my point of view - I'm going to have to get a new doctor anyways!!! I am 51 years old.....it is now or never - so if I have to pay for it myself - then I will. How long were you with your new doctor before he approved your surgery? When are you having it or did you already? Thanks so much and keep me posted on your journey!!! Cindy

Hi, I have been with my current PCP for about a year and a half. He was not real big on the idea at first. Then I went to the seminar at Munson and got all of the paperwork to get started and just gave it to my doctor. He read everything and said he would help me. I would start by calling BC/BS and see what their requirements are. Tell your doctor to help you or you are going to get a new PCP. I am also 51 and I also told my insurance company that its now or never. I just had my appeal last Thursday and I'm hoping to have surgery in the next 30-45 days. Don't stop fighting! I was going to get a loan too, but now I will get one to have Plastic Surgery later on! Keep me posted. Joni

Cindy, Try Dr. Hanson. If Dr. Baddam is still in Dr. Hanson's office....she is wonderful. I can't say for sure if they will recommend you for surgery, but Dr. Baddam helped me alot when I was losing weight on my own. I figure since she prescribed diet pills, she may be lenient about surgery. Dr. Hanson's office is off Atherton west of Fenton. Their number is 810-235-9391. Plus, Dr. Hanson is a really good doctor. My husband's cousin is a nurse at Hurley and Dr. Hanson is her family doctor. One thing you have to look out for is his office personnel. They tend to be a bit disorganized...at least they were about 4 years ago when he was my doctor.

HI, Thanks for the reply. Unfortuniately I live northwest of Flint by 1 hour.... :( I know that I am going to have to get a new doctor tho.....how crazy is it to tell a fat person to go on a diet.....like I haven't tried that for the last 30 or so years!! I'm not going to give up tho....I have 2 doctors - because of brain surgery I had 6 years ago - so maybe the other doctor will help me. Any if not - then I will get a loan and have the surgery anyways. I feel like it is now or never and I really want the chance in life to be healthy, happy and at peace with myself. I read all your postings.....you are very organized and an inspiration.... Thanks, Cindy

Hmmmm....well, I don't know what to tell you about your doctor or your insurance. But I had my surgery at Hurley in August of 05. I had Dr. Farhan. He was great. My whole experience with them has been wonderful. I would definitely try a different doctor and see what they say. Maybe someone can suggest a wls friendly one in your area. Good luck! Tina