Hi I'm 29 im 5'4" I'm pre diabetic I have high blood pressure and have mild hypothyroidism for medication I'm on metformin,levothyroxin,hydrochlorot and losartan I weigh 200lbs I've been to a weight loss specialist who put me on a low carb diet didn't work at all I've tried phentermine as well gained all my weight back I've tried pretty much everything don't know what else to do besides looking at weight loss surgery. i read your BMI needs to be 35 and up to qualify for weight loss surgery but my BMI is at 33. What do you guys think?

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That's something I think will depend on your insurance, or if you are self pay it'll depend on your surgeon.

I have Colorado Medicaid and the lowest bmi they will approve at all is 35. Period.

It really depends on your insurance, they each have their own requirements. You can contact your insurance company or consult your member handbook for info. But yes, the typical requirement is usually a BMI of 35 with a comorbidity or two, or a BMI of 40 without comorbidities.

If you need a BMI of 35 and don't have a requirement of something like "a 2 year weight history showing a history of a BMI of over 35" and you believe you would qualify at a 35 BMI, well, most of us know how to eat to gain enough weight to go up a couple of BMI points. Certainly don't do that unless you are sure you have coverage and will qualify though!

You also have self-pay options. Most surgeons will not require a BMI of 35. It can be pretty expensive in the states but there are lots of great surgeons in Mexico with reasonable prices. Good luck!

I called earlier today and was told I would be covered 100%

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It depends on your insurance

But in my opinion, and people are going to disagree, but I would not havr surgery at 200lbs...200lbs is my GOAL weight

My ins I had to be 35 bmi or over and I had to have 5 yrs of proof that I was over 35 bmi

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With a BMI of 33 and the comorbidities you mentioned, I would absolutely do it. You said insurance will cover it 100%? Go for it! Best decision I have made for my health ever.