I am curious about anyone out there with a 35-40 BMI (with comorbidities) that were approved for surgery. Did the approval process go smoothly, or were you denied and have to appeal? Was anyone approved that had a below 35 BMI in your 3-5 year history? When submitting your history can you just skip a year and supplement with photos? Any advice is super appreciated!

I have BCBS of TX. BMI is about 36. I was approved in less than a week and did not have to provide a history of my weight or BMI in previous years. Good luck!

I have BCBS IL

My BMI was 39 no other illnesses.

I was denied right away

my primary doctor wrote an appeal letter and in about a month after the appeal I was approved.

I have BCBS MI with a BMI of 37 and after I did all their requirments I was approved right away! Down 60lbs now!

When I got the lap band originally I was a BMI of 40 with this insurance I did have asthma ( however I do not have to use an inhaler unless I get upper respiratory infections). After 9 months of success and 100 pounds down I ran into horrible problems with the band. My doctor said I needed to switch to the sleeve. When he submitted it to insurance I had a BMI of 30 and he said even if it was medically necessary he was unsure if they would cover it because my BMI was so low. Needless to say after only two weeks insurance had approved my surgery and I was scheduled to get the band removed and have the sleeve done. I must say I do have their PERS choice PPO plan though. I hope this helps you.

I am very close to that category. I have bcbs , my BMi was 39 most of the time during the six month prep. I did gain a few pounds toward the end of the 6 months and got my BMi to 40. They discovered I had sleep apnea so I think that helped me get approved. If you have a BMi between 35 to 39 you need to have some sort of condition pertaining to the weight. Heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes Hope this helps

Awesome. Thanks for all the info, ya'll. ; )

Those of you with the lower bmi's how has weight loss been for you?

My weight loss has been unreal. Lost 33 pounds in a month including the pre op diet.

I have bcbs New Jersey. 35.6 BMI. didn't have to provide history..just a six mibth supervised diet. I have 6 health issues related to weight. I was approved same day!