I’m 27, 5’4 and 219 pounds. My last known weight before that was 231 but I ended up getting sick and having to have emergency surgery so I lost a bit while in the hospital. I have PCOS, GERD, sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. 4 years ago I lost 90 pounds (from 250) and was down to 160 but with life, stress and kids I’ve gained most of it back. I’ve tried everything this last year and a half to get the weight back off but I’ve been unsuccessful. Would I be a candidate to be approved for surgery even though my BMI isn’t at 40? I have WellCare and I have an appointment for a consultation on March 5th with the surgeon but I’m scared I’ll just be told to keep trying to loose weight myself.

Most insurances will approve WLS if your BMI is 35 and you have a comorbidity. Documented sleep apnea is usually accepted as a comorbidity, along with diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia. Using a BMI calculator I come up with a BMI of 37.6. Along with your sleep apnea, you should qualify. Your surgeon will do what he can to get you approved, he/she wants your business!

OMG I can't believe I'd recommend this to anyone, but if they say your BMI is too low, you only have to get up to 235 lbs to have a BMI of 40.1! But if your insurance is like most of the other ones they'll accept your sleep apnea and a BMI of 37.6

Good luck and keep us posted!