Hi,

I'm thinking about having the sleeve done. I currently weight 216, highest 237. I have struggled with my weight my whole life. I have used weight watchers, tried injections, pills. Nothing seems to help. I'm at 39 BMI and my insurance at my work will pay for the surg with a 40. Anyone been in my shoes?

Hi and welcome!

Mine was 41, just over the line. I also had comorbidities: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea. Do you have anything like that? Comorbidities cause the BMI not to matter so much.

Hi and welcome!

Mine was 41' date=' just over the line. I also had comorbidities: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea. Do you have anything like that? Comorbidities cause the BMI not to matter so much.[/quote']

Agreed - many insurance companies lower the BMI threshold to 35 if you're diabetic, pre-diabetic, high cholesterol, family history of heart problems, sleep apnea, and a number of other co-morbidities and health background red flags. I would investigate if you're insurance company does that, and if it does, what their exact requirements are (it can vary what they'll accept). It would probably be worth talking to your primary care physician and perhaps do an initial consult with a bariatric surgeon (many will do an initial consultation for free, or have free seminars). They could help you decide if you are a potential candidate, and if you don't already have co-morbidities identified, could possibly refer you for a sleep study, for example.

Good luck!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using VST

I was right at 40.? when I was approved. I had high blood pressure and my cholesterol was high but not on meds for it yet. Gmanbat is right, if you have comorbidities then I believe the bmi needs to be at least 35. I've also read where people worked on gaining a few pounds since they are so close to the 40 bmi when there are no comorbidities involved. Hope you get approved for it.