In order to qualify for a Lapband to Sleeve conversion per my insurance requirements (Blue Shield of California) I need 1) to undergo a medically supervised weight management program for at least 3 consecutive months and 2) Have a BMI of over 40 or a BMI of over 35 with a comorbidity. (I do not have a comorbidity that I know of)

Now. I signed myself up for a medically supervised diet plan on November 30. I thought to myself, hey, the more I lose now, the less I will have to lose after my surgery (logical right?). Well within the 4 months I've been on this diet, I went from a BMI of about 43 to a BMI of 38.

Do any of you have experience with this posing an issue to getting insurance to cover their surgery.

Any feedback would be helpful :-)

Hello! I also have BCBS Federal and I asked the bariatric coordinator which weight they send in and they told me that they only weight they send to insurance is my weight at my initial consultation. Do you know if that's correct? What was your experience with this? Sadly, I do not have much confidence in these people [emoji20]
I am right over 40 BMI. At my nutrition assesment I was right at 39.9 BMI (she made me take my shoes off of course...). I start the 3 month diet next week.

Yes they send your weight from your first appointment. I also had Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal and I didn't think I was going to get approved because my BMI was too low but I had the lap band and I had it removed because it slipped in 2016. I wanted to get the revision sooner but I didn't think I was a candidate because of my weight but it was approved it took over a week I didn't know until the day before my surgery but thank God it was approved

Sent from my SM-G920T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm right at 40 BMI if I don't stand up too straight when they measure height, so like you, I've been concerned about losing on the pre-surgery diet then getting declined. I checked to see how much water weighs, so plan to drink up prior to weigh in, but I love the idea of the fishing weights. too. It may be a moot point if I can't navigate the insurance maze. Very frustrating to do all the research, attend the seminars, make the decision, convince hubby it's a good idea, then learn after making appts that with Covered California Blue Shield, the closest approved hospital/surgeon is 6 hrs away. Good thing open enrollment is coming up.....