I have a BMI of 37. I went to a consultantion for the lap band about 6mths ago. I was told my insurance BCBS Federal would cover it, but I need to gain about 14lbs & come back. I was told I had to have a 2yr history of a BMI of 40 or above & I do. I have no co morbities. Since the visit I lost weight & gained it back & needing to gain the 14 to meet the BMI. I have decided I want the sleeve & the original Dr I had doesn't sleeve. So I have to go to a new DR, but I'm scared to go with my BMI below 40. At first gaining weight intentionally sounded crazy & out of the question, but know it doesnt seems so bad. Do I gain? Do I gain before the initial visit to the new DR?

Yep, you must gain. I read on here one doc recommended wearing ankle weights while being weighted. then work on gaining weight while your jumping through the hoops for the insurance company. It's truly up to you. It sounds like you are set on this surgery so it's time to eat more. That's it, I can't believe I'm telling you this. It's totally up to you and I wish you luck on what ever decision you make.

Geez I'm sorry to hear this!...I would try the ankle weights before I would gain the weight, easy peesy! LOL

I have a BMI of 37. I went to a consultantion for the lap band about 6mths ago. I was told my insurance BCBS Federal would cover it' date=' but I need to gain about 14lbs & come back. I was told I had to have a 2yr history of a BMI of 40 or above & I do. I have no co morbities. Since the visit I lost weight & gained it back & needing to gain the 14 to meet the BMI. I have decided I want the sleeve & the original Dr I had doesn't sleeve. So I have to go to a new DR, but I'm scared to go with my BMI below 40. At first gaining weight intentionally sounded crazy & out of the question, but know it doesnt seems so bad. Do I gain? Do I gain before the initial visit to the new DR?[/quote']

You still need 2 years of weight history to send, sometimes they ask for it even with co-morbidities. I had a comorbidity and bmi of 37, they wanted the weight history too. Luckily, my pcp had included this in his letter of recommendation for the surgery. I have federal BCBS. I work for the VA, what dept do you work for?

Just Do It!!!

Yep' date=' you must gain. I read on here one doc recommended wearing ankle weights while being weighted. then work on gaining weight while your jumping through the hoops for the insurance company. It's truly up to you. It sounds like you are set on this surgery so it's time to eat more. That's it, I can't believe I'm telling you this. It's totally up to you and I wish you luck on what ever decision you make. [/quote']

I heard this too, but be careful. That can be construed as insurance fraud, a federal offense

Just Do It!!!

ankle weights sound like a better option. good luck!

You still need 2 years of weight history to send' date=' sometimes they ask for it even with co-morbidities. I had a comorbidity and bmi of 37, they wanted the weight history too. Luckily, my pcp had included this in his letter of recommendation for the surgery. I have federal BCBS. I work for the VA, what dept do you work for?

Just Do It!!![/quote']

My husband works for the Postal Service. The thing that is crazy is I have two years of weight history with a BMI of over 40.

I don't recommend ankle weights - I think you can really have a problem if you are caught defrauding the insurance company.

I suggest donuts, pasta and ice cream. Can you eat some for me?

My husband works for the Postal Service. The thing that is crazy is I have two years of weight history with a BMI of over 40.

Then you got it made. Start eating pizza, with a hot chocolate chip bar cookie topped with icecream

Just Do It!!!

The ankle weight thing scares me!

NDN is right. i guess it would be considered fraudulent. so i guess you got to eat up. 14 pounds is not to bad though so you could lose that easy after surgery.

The ankle weight thing scares me!

MrsKitKat I just want to say I WAS KIDDING when I stated I would use ankle weights, I even put LOL!!! some members on this site I believe don't read the whole context of what one has to say. My facetious comment was in reference to the doctors comment...SO...I most humbly bow down, and beg your forgiveness, for my sense of humor. To all others pleeeease take it easy!

MrsKitKat I just want to say I WAS KIDDING when I stated I would use ankle weights' date=' I even put LOL!!! some members on this site I believe don't read the whole context of what one has to say. My facetious comment was in reference to the doctors comment...SO...I most humbly bow down, and beg your forgiveness, for my sense of humor. To all others pleeeease take it easy![/quote']

I also addressed this and it was not an attack on you - my surgeon had told me that this is actually a common problem that they have so it certainly seemed worth mentioning the potential ramifications. Also, I can see how it would be very, very tempting!

Dietician suggested Tons of nuts full of protein!

MrsKitKat I just want to say I WAS KIDDING when I stated I would use ankle weights, I even put LOL!!! some members on this site I believe don't read the whole context of what one has to say. My facetious comment was in reference to the doctors comment...SO...I most humbly bow down, and beg your forgiveness, for my sense of humor. To all others pleeeease take it easy!

I didn't take it personal at all. To each its own on the ankle weight thing. Lol! I just personally would be comfortable with it. I would be the want caught and convicted of fraud. All that to show off my new body behind bars. Lol!