Getting approved with Kaiser

Hi everyone, I am a Colorado resident and I have Kaiser Connections. I have called to confirm that they cover weight loss surgery but the docs keep saying that my BMI has to be at least 40. My current BMI is 36 and I have gone through the weight loss management program and they put me on meridia and it has not worked. I have finally sent in my wight loss packet and now I guess I want to know what the next steps are and a time frame that I may be looking at? It has been 2 weeks since I sent the packet in and havent heard anything back yet. I have thyroid issues and my thyroid doc is the one that recommended me to look into weight loss surgery because they are having a hard time maintaing my thyroid. Diabetes runs in my family and I have a feeling since my BMI is no 40 that I may have to fight a little to get this done so any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks