My BMI is 39 and I have no comorbidities. I have my first appointment with the surgeon and nutritionist on September 11th and the first appointment with my PCP on September 13th. I was told by the surgeons patient advocate as long as my BMI was above 40 before the end of the six months that it would be okay. Has anyone been through this before and been approved? I am nervous of not getting approval based on this first appointment.

Thanks for any help!

Most insurances require BMI of 40 and above, or 35 and above PLUS 2 comorbidities. Are they recommending that you gain weight to qualify for surgery? That sounds dangerous to me.

But is the 40 BMI before the first appointment or before you submit paperwork in 6 months to the insurance company?

for me it's from the first weigh in. Ask your coordinator at your surgeon's office. I am in the same boat, barely 40 bmi and no comorbs. I have anthem bc california care ***. she submitted my approval last week, so we will see!

Just a head's up, what the surgeon says and what your insurance dictates may be two very different things. My surgeon's office requires a BMI 40+ with no comorbidities - but my insurance wanted 2 years of documentation with my BMI 40+. Thank the stars, I had it.

Just a head's up, what the surgeon says and what your insurance dictates may be two very different things. My surgeon's office requires a BMI 40+ with no comorbidities - but my insurance wanted 2 years of documentation with my BMI 40+. Thank the stars, I had it.

When did you find this out? after the process or as you were beginning. I really fear going through these six months then being told a small detail was missed.

Thanks.

I found it out when I called my insurance company to find out my requirements. I was told at my first seminar that this was the first step - it helps determine who/where/why. It will also tell you if bariatric surgery is even covered by your policy or not.

Wear layers!

Stuff your bra with stuff like cell phone, other heavy items.

Hide items in your pockets.

Drink as much liquid as u can. Eat really good the day before & before.

Make apt for end of day.

I had no co-morbitities so my doctor wanted a BMI of over 40 for EVERY weigh in so as not to give the insurance company any loopholes. I had lost 4 pounds and was just barely a 40 and he told me not to lose any more weight. Put some rolls of quarters or some fishing weights in your bra, in your pockets, your socks, "forget" to take off your shoes and wear the heaviest pair of jeans you own