I started with a BMI of 38%. I also have BCBS - the federal Employee program.they required a 3 month physician supervised weight loss program. I followed all of their instructions, helped make sure that the surgeons office got everything that they needed or wanted from my other docs. Luckily the hospital system here has a nurse in charge of the program that helps walk you thru the system - and knowing what to expect every step of the way..
BCBS approved me with only one co-morbidty factor - but a REALLY shitty family heart history. And my co-morbidity factor was high cholesterol.
I had my surgery 5-21.