I had a question for those who are in their twenties - Was it hard to get approval because of your young age? :confused::confused::confused:

If so - Did you have comorbidities? What insurance company did you go with, and was the process rocky or smooth sailing?

:clap2:

I was approved & scheduled for surgery when I was 29 (birthday was in February).

I did not have comorbidities, but I did have a high BMI.

I had UHC. The process was smooth. I was still waiting for their first round of objections, but what came in the mail was notice of pre-approval.

I just turned 27 when I got banded last August.

My BMI was over 40, I have a history of high blood pressure and I was almost 150lbs overweight (started at 297).

Best of luck to you! Just never give up!

I was approved with a BMI of 39 with comorbidities. I had to fight Highmark BCBS for it but they paid 100%. ~Mandy

I was approved at 24 with a BMI of over 40, no comorbidities.

I'm 27 and has a bmi of 34 do you think that I would be a good candidate for the surgery? I have been struggling with my weight all my life I need to shed 40-50lbs

thats too low, you would have to boost yourself up to 35 bmi, and you would need two comorbidities

What would you consider comorbidities?

Also.. I am 24 years old and will be starting a new job. I have a choice of several insurance providers, Blue Cross, Aetna, PPO, etc.. Which one do you think will most likely qualify me? I have a BMI of 42. My only health issue is that I have PCOS.

My daughter Amanda was approved and she is 18. No comorbitites.

She had surgery March 23rd.

Mgood,

Don't choose Aetna!!!!

They make you jump thru too many hoops and will most likely say no!!!

I had a BMI of 49.7, comorbidities - HBP, DEpression, NECK,Back and HIp problems and they wouldn't approve me. (I had to end up self-paying $17,500)

Thanks Ladysplenda - If you don't mind sharing, could you please tell me what her approval process was like. (i.e. how long did it take her to get approved?, was on an supervised diet for 6-12 months, etc?

This is my first post, so forgive me if I'm ask something that has been asked a million times, but I was curious about the Aetna post? I have a group Aetna Plan ( POS II). I am supposed to meet with my surgeon for the first time April 4th. I have rheumatory arthritis, BMI of 40, about 110 lbs over weight. I expected to have to go through the normal psych. eval, diet etc...but why would Aetna have you wait 6 months?:eek:

Yes we had a doctor talk to her about diet and she saw a nutritionist once every three months. We got turned down twice. Third time did it. Make sure you keep going back between turn downs. They want you to give up. DONT DO IT They need to make sure you are dedicated before putting out that much money. It took about three months.She has lost 17 lbs already.

I have Aetna PPO - they gave me two thumbs down. It would take several YEARS before they would even consider covering this surgery so I paid for it myself. Good luck to you.

Well, that stinks...they(insurance co's) are they great satan arn't they? Well, I just keep moving ahead, keep my chin up and continue to fight the good fight! I'll let you know how it all goes.

Most surgeons follow the NIH guidlines for surgery qualification:

Must have been obese for at least 5 years

Must have at least 100 lbs to lose

BMI of 35 or more with co-morbidities, or BMI above 40 no co-morbidities needed

Documented attempts at weight loss in the past 2 years

No physical or emotional limitations to prevent participation and understanding of follow up care and eating expectations.

From what I understand, if you are self pay some doctors give you more wiggle room but if you want the ins. to pay then you will need to qualify.

Good luck!