This may be a silly question but when they determined my BMI it was with my clothes on...shoes and all and then I think they allowed for 5 lbs of clothes. I'm not trying to cheat but my biggest concern is that if I play the game right I will loose enough weight to be less than 40 by the time I meet the 6 month period. So, when it comes time for the final weigh in has anyone had to get weighted...in or nearly in the buff?

I have never been weighed at my surgeon's office or any other dr office in the buff!

No, your BMI is with clothing on. Most surgeon's are trying to get you your surgery.

Good luck. In fact, my son just started his journey in January, the surgeon(same as mine), told him to only loose about 1 lb a month. 1st month, he lost 9, but he is still within the 40 BMI. Karen

I've always weighed in with clothes on. Actually my very first weigh in they even let me keep my shoes on! But since then I've taken my shoes off. Like the previous poster has said most surgeons want you to have surgery so they will help you out on the sly :-)

Clothes and shoes on. I've heard of people using ankle weights to give them that last pound or so they needed to qualify. I've never heard of any adjustments for clothes. That's a new one.

I was just barely a 40 BMI before the 6 month diet, and a 38 after. I still qualify. They use your starting weight for the BMI criteria.

My place shoes off, and pockets emptied. Then you can step on the scale. But never in the buff.

I laughed, and told him now you have to account for these artificial knees (TITANIUM), and he did 5LBS......

Thanks for the replies. I was able to talk with my Surgeon's nurse and she mentioned a few things about overall goal and certain "allowances" known to have been given.

From what I am gathering there are 2 distinct factors on the having a "low" BMI. The first is that it appears doctors are willing to go on with the procedure regardless. The second, more fuzzy factor, is the insurance companies themselves. I have a call in to GEHA to get some clarification from them. I'm trying to pin that down now. I'm fortunate to be double covered by my wife's insurance and there criteria are nearly word for word to GEHA's which is firmly based on the NIH criteria.

Again...TANX!

Don