My coordinator told me that a 40 BMI is important to maintain in order to have insurance cover the surgery. But I'm right at 40. Any weight loss during the 4-month nutritionist supervision will disqualify me, right? I'm not thrilled with having to deal with my assigned nutritionist for 4 months and not losing. I'm sure others have had this issue--any advice would be appreciated. I have Cigna.

22 minutes ago, JRussel said:

My coordinator told me that a 40 BMI is important to maintain in order to have insurance cover the surgery. But I'm right at 40. Any weight loss during the 4-month nutritionist supervision will disqualify me, right? I'm not thrilled with having to deal with my assigned nutritionist for 4 months and not losing. I'm sure others have had this issue--any advice would be appreciated. I have Cigna.

I heard of people adding weights in their pockets to make sure they stay at the weight, at least at weigth in.

Usually the coordinators know the requirements. I have cigna too, but my plan might still be different from yours.

That doesn't sound right. If you are 40 or higher when you start, and you have been 40 for some years. That is what they look for. Many people lose weight on their pre-op.

Maybe you should call your insurance and ask

Yes. I am taking the diet seriously but don't want to disqualify myself in the process. Has this happened to anyone, I wonder? Can you risk disqualification if you don't lose?

My insurance would have disqualified me if I dropped below. That's part of the reason I switched to self pay. I couldn't bear the thought of keeping my weight on (my highest ever) for 4 months.

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I just had my first pre op appointment and they said it's ok to lose weight but do not gain weight (my BMI is just over 40 as well).

My BMI is 38. My insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) will cover your surgery is your BMI is 35, if you have weight related co-morbidities, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, etc. If you do not have any comorbidities, then your BMI needs to be 40 or above.

I did ask my dr about dropping below 35 and they told me that they report the initial weight when you begin.

I suppose it depends on the insurance and /or Dr. Office.

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This sounds exactly like my BCBS. I'm at 40 bmi but the moment I fall below, I have to rely on a co-morbidity. It's a game of jumping thru hoops and pushing thru red tape

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My BCBSi insurance used my first weigh in number and then I needed to lose % of weight.

Call your insurance and find their requirements.

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I was also told you can loose weight. They actually encourage it. My office also said they use my starting weight so any weight loss won't count against me.