Hi! I haven't been just lurking this site. I have been downright stalking it I went to the Surgeon a couple of days ago and I'm now waiting for United Healthcare to make the decision. So, on my weigh in I was 39.6 BMI. I couldn't believe it! I guess the stress got to me. I've lost 9 pounds in a week and a half. I'm praying that it doesn't kill my chances with UHC. I do have one comorbidity osteoarthritis and had ankle reconstruction surgery a few years ago. But, of course, I'm nervous. Anywho, just wanted to say hi to everyone.

Hi there! I got denied because I did not have the qualifying comorbs with a bmi of 39. If by chance you get denied, put back on the weight to get over 40 bmi. That was the only way I got approved. Good luck!

Here is the United Healthcare guidelines:

https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII/UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf/Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/Medical%20Policies/Medical%20Policies/Bariatric_Surgery.pdf

Thank you so much! I'm freaking out over the sudden weight loss. If I would have known I would have worn really heavy clothes..LOL! Your denial and appeal went really fast! Did your surgeon do the appeal for you?

Thank you so much! I'm freaking out over the sudden weight loss. If I would have known I would have worn really heavy clothes..LOL! Your denial and appeal went really fast! Did your surgeon do the appeal for you?

I remember reading somewhere that someone (not on this site) had seen someone weigh in with ankle weights on to push themselves over the 40 BMI mark!! Good luck and I hope you get your approval!

Thanks! That's a great idea. It's in the hands of UHC now. If I get another chance at it, I will try it. The sad part is, a few days prior I was 40.9. I never would have gone if I knew it dropped in a few days.

Unfortunately, I had to do my own appeal. If they deny you save yourself the trouble and just reschedule with the surgeons office and go in being over a 40BMI. It might save you some frustration.

Hi copchick! Just wanted to send you good thoughts for a fast, positive resolution. I'm sorry we all have to go through such ridiculous hassles!!! Hang in there. Fingers crossed for you.Glad you posted!!!! :-)

Its probably too late for you now, but i know someone who slightly slouched when they measured how tall she was so she would meet the BMI requirements, lol.

My Dr. said if I came in under 40 he would add a note stating I have been dieting per his orders. I was just over 40 when I weighed. I drank sooooo much water and wore pants, padded bra, long sleeves, vest, thick socks AND ate a ton of oatmeal before I went in. I felt like I was going to explode.

I also suffer from osteoarthritis. The sleeve has helped me a lot. Fingers crossed for you!

I'm trying to keep postive thoughts. The girl in the office that submits the paperwork to UHC is on vacation this week. :banghead: ..I'm just hitting a string of bad luck or I'm being taught a lesson in patience. Either way, I'm learning as much as I can from everyone on this site. Thanks everyone for the advise and well wishes :001_smile: