Why do I have to submit 5 years of documented weight history from my Dr. Do I have to be the same BMI for the last 5 years in order for the insurance to cover the surgery. Obviously I have been steadily gaining the last 5 years, but just hit the 40 BMI mark ( with my heaviest clothes and shoes on, and drinking lots of water):girl_hug:

I didn't have to give 5 yrs "documented" proof, just me telling them what diets I've tried over the past 5-10 yrs and how much I've lost and gained with each. The reason is to show your ins co that you have made every effort to lose weight on your own and have failed. Meaning now it has become dangerous to your health.

They wanted every diet I tried and documented weight from my primary care for the last five years. I just don't get why they want the documented weight. I hope I don't have to be over 40 BMI for the last 5 years.

The more documentation the better for your insurance, but I just guessed at some of the dates, because who can remember that far back? I just listed approximate dates and what diets I had tried before, and my insurance did approve my surgery. Of course, I had to pay up front and am now waiting to be reimbursed, but still, they approved it.

I think the FDA approval document said something about long-term obesity - like you have to have been fat for a while.

If you didn't gain all your weight within the last year - it should be ok. I know the insurance companies also want to see if you have made any efforts to lose weight and what success you have had. I think everybody is pretty much on board with the fact that LOSING the weight isn't the problem - it's KEEPING it off.

That is why I got the band. Keeping it off will take help.

Good luck!

Wendyjoy

My Doctor Made Me Have Documented Weight From My Doctors Office For The Last 5 Years. I Wasn't At A 40 Bmi For All 5 Of The Years Either. I Also Had To List The Diets And Bring In Any Info I Had From Weight Loss Centers Documenting The Amount Of Time I Went And My Weights. I Needed This Info And I Was Self Pay. I Think You Probably Have To Jump Through More Hoops If Your Insurance Is Paying For It. Unfortunately, Mine Doesn't Cover Lap Band But Would Have Covered Gastric Bypass. I Just Thought The Lap Band Seemed Like A Much Healthier And Less Dangerous Way To Go. Good Luck On Your Journey And I Hope You Are Approved For Surgery. Hang In There It Can Be A Long Process Just Getting To The Surgery Date But It Is All Well Worth It.