1st Time Writing

[Guest guest]

Hi,

This is my first time writing to the group. I have been contemplating the

idea of the MGB surgery over the past couple of months. While on-line, I

came upon Dr. R.'s website and was happy to see he practices in Durham (I am

in Louisbug). I have started printing and reading the required materials,

and am looking forward to learning more about the procedure, including the

dangers involved. If anyone can answer a couple of questions, I would

greatly appreciate it.

1. Approximately how long does it take to complete the tweleve requirements?

( I personally like the fact so much is required prior to scheduling

surgery. I respect a doctor that requires a patient be fully informed of the

consequences.)

2. My BMI is 37.7, am I still a candidate for surgery? My weight is 220, I

am 30 yrs. old and my only medical conditions are high blood pressure and my

knees are becoming weak.

3. Once your packet is complete and turned in to Dr. R's office, what is the

time frame for scheduling surgery?

4. How difficult is it to obtain insurance approval? (Since my BMI is below

40)

I have enjoyed reading the posts the past couple of days. Wish me luck

through the journey ahead of me!

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi: And welcome! You've stumbled upon a wonderful group of folks with a common

goal and purpose. I'm going to answer your questions below and I'm sure others

will also.

> Hi,

>

> This is my first time writing to the group. I have been contemplating the

> idea of the MGB surgery over the past couple of months. While on-line, I

> came upon Dr. R.'s website and was happy to see he practices in Durham (I am

> in Louisbug). I have started printing and reading the required materials,

> and am looking forward to learning more about the procedure, including the

> dangers involved. If anyone can answer a couple of questions, I would

> greatly appreciate it.

> 1. Approximately how long does it take to complete the tweleve requirements?

> ( I personally like the fact so much is required prior to scheduling

> surgery. I respect a doctor that requires a patient be fully informed of the

> consequences.)

Actually how long it takes to complete the twelve requirements is up to you. For

instance some of what will vary will be how long it takes you to get an

appointment with your primary care doctor and how long it takes him/her to get

you the letter of support, records, and tests done. And how long it takes you

to get your personal letter done...see what I mean...it's all variable depending

on factors some of which you can't control and some of which depend entirely on

you.

> 2. My BMI is 37.7, am I still a candidate for surgery? My weight is 220, I

> am 30 yrs. old and my only medical conditions are high blood pressure and my

> knees are becoming weak.

You are probably a candidate for surgery since your BMI is close to 40. However,

you will need to check out with your insurance just how stringent their

requirements are and if indeed they do pay. Every company has hundreds of

policies which they sell so this is a very individualized thing.

> 3. Once your packet is complete and turned in to Dr. R's office, what is the

> time frame for scheduling surgery?

Figure that you won't hear back from Dr. R's office for a week or two for

approval and then figure it will be several weeks after that for a date. While

things can happen fast sometimes, if you need them to, and if they have an

opening, if you allow several weeks for approval and then scheduling you will be

able to plan better.

> 4. How difficult is it to obtain insurance approval? (Since my BMI is below

> 40)

This is entirely up to your insurance company. You will need to check with them.

Many will not cover at all unless your are morbidly obese.

Welcome! We hope you'll join in the discussions!

Flo in land

>

> I have enjoyed reading the posts the past couple of days. Wish me luck

> through the journey ahead of me!

>

> Thanks!

>

>