My insurance requires a 5 year history of obesity. I was assuming that meant the minimum BMI to be classified "obese". But the surgeon's office says it has to be a 5 year history of over a BMI of 40.

I don't go to the doctor very often (typical male). So my weight checks are very limited, one per year if I was lucky. Well, my BMI was 40.1 in 2006, but it dropped to a low of 34.7 in 2007. In '08 it was about 35.9. By '09 and '10 I had a BMI over 40 again. So minus those two freak years, it has been over 40 for the past 5 years.

I hope they don't give me any problems approving surgery because I had temporary success doing Weight Watchers.

What have you experienced with United Healthcare that requires a 5 year history?

I go April 12th for my "intake" appointment. Should I wait until then to take my weight checks to the surgeon’s office or send them on ahead of me? I would hate to spend the $250 fee if I am not going to get approved.

Thanks for reading this long, rambling post.

Jim

Check with UHC and see if you can provide 7 years of weight logs because you did not seek treatment for two years... Unless you had UHC during those two years, then they will be able to tell..

Yeah the lady at the surgeon's office said that she had just sent a packet for approval for someone that has the same insurance as I do and works for the same company. She sent theirs without the 5 year history. she was going to let me know if that one got approved or not. I think I will send her my history and see what she says. Maybe I will need to cancel my appointment if she doesn't think it will get approved.

My wife is working through a different surgeon. Hers has said that she needs two weight checks for each of the 5 years. If that's the case, I'm screwed. However, they also told her that she had to do a 6 month supervised diet. We called and talked to a coordinator and they told us that they we do not have to have a 6 month diet. just the 5 year history.

I have UHC and did not have the 40 bmi for 5 years. I also submitted to my coordinator seven years history because there was a year in there that I did not see a Dr. and another year I only saw the Dr. for pregnancy (fortunately it was with twins so I didn't have a problem eating my way to "morbidly obese" status). I lost a pretty good bit after delivery and was only at a BMI over 40 for the past two years. With all that they approved me, so hopefully they will do the same for you. Good luck.

I have UHC and did not have the 40 bmi for 5 years. I also submitted to my coordinator seven years history because there was a year in there that I did not see a Dr. and another year I only saw the Dr. for pregnancy (fortunately it was with twins so I didn't have a problem eating my way to "morbidly obese" status). I lost a pretty good bit after delivery and was only at a BMI over 40 for the past two years. With all that they approved me, so hopefully they will do the same for you. Good luck.

well that certainly is a boost to my confidence. Thanks for that.

well that certainly is a boost to my confidence. Thanks for that.

I have UHC and I was declined because of BMI BUT I really think its dictated by your company who funds the insurance. UHC told me that its my company who sets the rules--5yr history of BMI over 40. So I am now a self pay. Good luck to you.

I really think its dictated by your company who funds the insurance. UHC told me that its my company who sets the rules--5yr history of BMI over 40.

This is correct.

Now see...you guys are not helping my confidence. But thanks for your honesty. I work at UPS...hopefully I will get approved.