I have about 80 pounds I want removed from all over my body.\n\nIf insurance can pay for gastric bypass, there should be a way to get them to pay for this.
133853
There is no way a plastic surgeon will do this.  Normally when lipo is done it isn't used to "lose weight."  It is done to "shape" the body. No insurance company will ever pay for lipo...it is cosmetic...gastric bypass on the other hand, is done because the persons life is in danger and they will die if the surgery is not done....
231240
They do pay more. The insurance companies a ask your weight or if you have a history of obesity in your family on the application.
253819
Everyone else gave you basically the same advice I would.\nYour surgeon's office should be able to help you with getting insurance approval. If they can't/won't, think about switching surgeons.  Or insurance companies. \nMy husband's companies insurance guy had originally said there was a "rider" which his boss would have to purchase for the whole company that would cover the surgery. We were willing to pay for that rider if it was just a few thousand dollars, and then the offer was withdrawn (probably because they didn't think we'd actually volunteer to pay!).  So find about that option. Even if it's $5,000, that's $19,000 less than the surgery. Look into supplemental insurance that you buy on your own that might pick up some of the costs.\nAs a last-ditch attempt, you can ask for donations from friends and co-workers.   If you work for a big company, try to get them to donate some money to you by saying how much healthier you will be after your weight loss.  Have a party to raise money--I've done it for other people (not for surgery)--have poker tournaments where the winner gets half the pot and you get the other half.  Find massage therapists and palm readers who will donate half or all their proceeds for treatments during the party.  Combine it with a Body Shop or Tupperware party and ask everyone to round up their payment and give it to you, and have the consultant donate part of the profits to your cause (you must have a friend who sells SOMETHING like this).\nYou'd be surprised how your friends and loved ones will rally around you if you show that you are determined to raise this money.
648234
Don't do this to yourself!  It's not worth it!  I don't care how fat you think you are, it's just not worth it!  There are serious consequences to making yourself throw up and none of them you want to deal with trust me.  If you want to lose weight do what doctors having been saying forever to do.  Eat healthy and exercise.
493148
I don't believe in doing this at all, however, I can help you with your debate class.\n\nSince 1987, costs for obesity related conditions have skyrocketed.   It costs a LOT of money to insure an obese person with their related conditions of diabetes, joint problems, heart issues due to strain from too much body weight, etc. You could argue that since they cost more to insure, they should pay more.  You could say that smokers have to pay more, so the overweight who have an equal number of health problems should have to pay more as well.  You can say they are knowingly harming their bodies, and they can do something to fix it.\n\n\n I have some sources listed below for you to get you started.\n\nHey everybody, lay off this girl...debate classes often don't let you chose the topic or which side you take.\n\n http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-06-26-health-spending-obesity_x.htm\n\nhttp://www.redorbit.com/news/health/207657/obesity_problems_boost_insurance_cost_tenfold_in_15_years/\n\nhttp://www.unumprovident.com/newsroom/news/corporate/obesity.aspx
488292
I can't believe how people can be so rude.  If you are skinny you cannot possibly imagine what it's like to be heavy.  It just gets to the point where can't even move enough to even get exercise.\n\nWith gastric bypass surgery, most of the stomach is removed and can't be put back.\n\nBanding just puts an elastic band around part of your stomach so you will feel full sooner.  It can be reversed with minor surgery.\n\nLook on the back of your HMO card and call the number.  They can easily tell you if it would be covered.  You should know, though, that there is  a six-month process you have to go through in order to qualify.  You have to stick to a diet for a while and show that you can control your eating to some degree.  Also there is counseling to see if you are capable of dealing with the operation.\n\nMichael michaelsgreene@yahoo.com
168682
How is it being removed?  The removal process is what could be a price jumper.  Plus, are they having it analyzed to check for cancerous material?  I think most of the time that is what they *have* to do in order for your insurance to pay anything on it.  My insurance will not pay for anything "cosmetic".  I have to fight them on a claim because they refused to pay anything for a skin tab removal and it was not cosmetic.
669876
Medicaid in most states will not cover anything that is not considered a medical necessity. Being that weight can be lost via other methods it is generally not considered a necessity. \n\nI am not sure about the state you are in, but in alot of states you would go about applying by being referred to a Dr. that performs the surgery (and that takes Medicaid) by your family Dr. Then the surgeon will fill out all applicable paperwork and get a form back letting them know if it will be covered or not from Medicaid. \n\nIf in your state you don't need a referral just start calling around to different Drs that perform the surgery and finding out if any accept Medicaid. Usually the problem is finding a Dr. to take the insurance in the first place. \n\nGood Luck!!
366932
My opinion is that fools & their money will part. Many promise great things but what they really want is the cash from your pocket. They don't work & can make you very sick. Reducing how much I ate, regular meals. Smaller meals more often. Rid of junk food. Time & persistance worked for me. I realized that I had to lose the weight the way I gained it slowly. 100 lbs took me 18 months but I have kept it off for 5 yrs. now. Eating this way. works.
586710
Unfortunately, no.  Surgeons insist that you be at least 100 pounds overweight before they will consider surgery...even with lapband surgery procedure.\n\nI know exactly what you are talking about!  Please contact me if you'd like to chat.  You can reach my by clicking on my avatar.
639588
my mother and sister have both had gastric bypass surgery. in the surgery the dr will remove part (most) of your stomach - so that there is enough left to hold a couple ounces. they also cut the small intestine then attach it to the new stomach pouch. alot of drs are doing the surgery laproscopically so that you don't have to be cut all the way open. this just involves a couple very small incisions. after the surgery, for the first few weeks, they want you to eat just a little bit - we're talking like an ounce of jello - things like that. then you can proceed on to pureed foods - then finally to "normal" foods again. you just can't eat as much as you did prior to the surgery. they also recommend that you eat several small meals a day rather than  a couple large meals. i know with my sister - she found that she couldn't drink very much with her meals because the fluids filled her up so much - so you might have to drink in between meals. but you need to keep your body nourished well - since the stomach is so much smaller - the food doesn't stay in your body as long - and doesn't have as much time to absorb all the nutrients the body needs. drs recommend taking vitamins after the surgery to help with this. if your really considering this - make an appointment with your family physician. once he agrees that this is a good choice for you - he will give you a referral to a surgeon. once you visit with the surgeon and discuss the surgery with them, they most likely will have you go for a psych test(don't worry - this is pretty standard) - they just want to check your emotional state, and make sure that you want the surgery for the right reasons. If you are really serious about losing the weight, this could be a great option - but you have to be completely devoted to the new lifestyle. i wish you all the best and good luck with your decision.
228558
There are other options, check out lapband surgery. It is a band that is placed around your stomach to reduce it's size and restrict the opening so it empties slower. It is a gradual weight loss vs the quick loss by bypass surgery but the risks are so much less, it is done laporscopically and your recovery time is about one week of light duty. \nCompared to bypass the results of weight loss after 18 months are the same, so you lose it slower but after a year and half the results are equal to the bypass with out the risks. You can have fills to adjust the tightness of the band and it can be removed if for some reason need be. Once you have done the bypass there is NO turning back. Get informed, don't jump into something your not comfortable with. If your insurance covers bypass it probably will cover the lapband. One warning, it is a tool only, you have to be committed and follow the rules. It works!
361248
I had the roux-en-y\n\n\nI had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005.  I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding, after  1 year and 7 months.  These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or  not.  I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes.  The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away.  I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer  have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure.  I’m down to 2 pills a day.  I went from a  size 26-28 to a 16-18.\nMost people struggle with paying for  the surgery.  Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass.  Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378\nVitamins I take…  you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t.  There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist.\nhttp://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359\nThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White.  He’s a govt. worker and a comedian.  He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well.\nhttp://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/\nSome other helpful links…\nhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/\nhttp://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htm\nhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337\nhttp://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508\nArticle about a couple in FL who lost 300 pounds\nhttp://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBJKJXH4VE.html\nhttp://www.connectionwls.com/\nhttp://www.mygastricbypass.com/\nhttp://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.html\nGood luck with your surgery and new life!
310230
Talk to the surgeon who is going to do your surgery. Some of them will finance if your insurance won't pay.
660404
~Move out and go on welfare.  I can think of nothing I want to do more than to add your medical bills to my already taxed budget.  Or, get the treatment then discharge the bills in bankruptcy so my insurance rates will go up yet again.  \nYes, your parents could be held accountable.  Why not.  They raised you.  Better they pay than the rest of us.  \nGo on a diet, start taking care of your health, get a job and pay your own way.  Society does NOT owe you a living.
69401
If you are more than 100 pounds overweight you should qualify for gastric by-pass surgery. My mother had this surgery and has lost more than 150 pounds so far. Although she has had no complications, there are some people who have. So, it is not without risk, but it is something to think about. I know how frustrating it can be to feel like you have so much weight to lose and to feel like doing it 1-2 pounds at a time is completely overwhelming. \n\nI wish you luck in whatever you decide!
159569
Medicaid does pay for bariatric surgery, however there are quite a few hoops to jump through before it happens. There needs to be documentation in your medical record that you have tried extensive dieting without success. You also need to show evidence of serious potentially reversible medical problems which can be directly linked to your weight (Diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) Even with all of this, sometimes people are denied coverage.