Hi guys, I'm new, so if this seems like a silly question, I apologize! I am in the beginning stages of getting the VSG surgery. Just had my informational seminar and have my first consult with the surgeon July 10. My BMI is currently a 44. I need to do the 6 month weigh ins/diet. 6 months is a long time and I can't afford to gain anymore because of my leg/joint pain. My question is...what if my BMI drops to a 40 during the 6 month period? I know I need a 40 to qualify, but would that ant of weight loss disqualify me? I don't know if I can lose weight, but I really can't keep gaining for health reasons. Anyone know?? Thanks so much

When I started my 6 month classes/weigh-ins, my BMI was exactly 40 and that's what I needed for my insurance to cover it. I don't know if yours is different, but when I asked the nurse if I wouldn't be approved if I lost weight, she said most insurances encourage you to lose weight, even if it goes below 40. I guess it just matters to them if you start out at 40+. Hope this helps!

I would either call the insurance company directly or ask your surgeon's insurance coordinator to verify. I didn't get a real solid answer so I've been coasting a bit. However, this is the last month of my supervised diet plan so I intend to turn it on. Should have surgery mid August.

Thanks so much guys. I'll ask my surgeon. Some people say insurance goes by your BMI at the first weigh in even if it drops in the months thereafter...I hope that's true! Good luck to you both.

I have surgery on Wednesday and my BMI is 33. I started out with a BMI of 42 but lost 50 pounds in the last 4 months. My doc said that since insurance has already approved my surgery that it was ok going under a BMI of 35 (you can have a BMI of 35 if you have co-morbidities).

I have surgery on Wednesday and my BMI is 33. I started out with a BMI of 42 but lost 50 pounds in the last 4 months. My doc said that since insurance has already approved my surgery that it was ok going under a BMI of 35 (you can have a BMI of 35 if you have co-morbidities).

Great! Thank you. When will I find out if my surgery will be approved by the insurance company? When I have my very first meeting with my surgeon? Congrats on the 50lb weight loss! :)