Hi, all! I've been investigating this surgery for a little while now, and wondering if anyone out there has opinions on whether the risk of surgery is worth the benefit for a BMI in the 35-40 range. I don't have any co-morbidities. I'm about 15 pounds away from a BMI of 40, which is the minimum insurance companies usually cover without other "severe" illnesses associated with obesity.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

You are about where I was when I got banded (Jan 7). My insurance did not cover my band I was self-pay. I think there is a huge variance in what insurance companies approve. Mine was very specific over 40 bmi you're covered. 35-40 you had to have either obstructive sleep apnea, Type II diabetes, or a first line relative that had died of coronary artery disease prior to age 45 (I think??).

Anyways, when I went to the seminar the surgeon that gave the seminar and ultimately did my surgery made the statement "Its time to invest in yourself". I knew that I wasn't sick at the time, but it was in my not too distant future. So I did it. Never looked back. I'm very happy so far but I'm brand new.

My BMI was 35.1 when I went for my consult appointment. BCBS turned me down and said unless I had sleep apnea, heart disease, or lunch disease, I didn't qualify.

I assembled an appeal package including letters from every one of my doctors, gyn, gp, gastro, pediatris, and surgeon, all stating that weight loss would correct/benefit my condition that they treat me for. I also wrote 2 letters myself, 1 medical, 1 emotional. Meanwhile, I ate like there was no tomorrow and by the time I submitted my package my BMI was 36.7. Based on my letters and my larger BMI, they approved me.

I'm happy with my decision.