Okay, here's the problem. 10+ months ago I began the lap-band approval process....problem is that I had previously lost 18 lbs of weight right before starting this process...since my weight started to inch back up I talked to a doctor to see if this procedure was for me or not. Because of this, I've only gained weight during my 10 months and haven't lost anything but a few pounds here or there. Currently, I weigh 264 pounds and have a BMI of about 38 but no co-morbidities..I'm certain I'll be rejected for the procedure and am bummed...however, if I gain 10 more pounds I'll be at the 40 BMI which alhtough I'm not really trying I might do anyway because I've been this weight previously. My question is this....if I happen to gain 10 pounds resulting in a BMI of 40, would my insurance likely deny the procedure simply because I've been gaining weight over the last 10+ months? Anyone have experience with this or something similar? [side note: I have only been seeing my primary doctor and I should get the referral to the lap-band surgeon within the next two weeks]

I think it is a total guessing game with insurance everytime. However, i have BCBS of ND and they required that I had a BMI of 40 for atleast 2 years.

You don't have sore knees or reflux or sleep apnea? Those are very common co morbities for we overweight people.

Actually, I do have VERY sore knees....I imagine partly because of being overweight and party because I have a torn ligament on my right knee. However, my doctor did an x-ray on it and said although there may be pain there is no indication of permanent damage. As for sleep apnea, I'm going to ask my doctor to check this but for now, I don't think I have this.