My BMI is just shy of 40.... it's like 39.something. Before I go to the appt where they get all my info and submit it to my ins for coverage approval, should I gain a few pounds to get my bmi over 40? I don't want them to deny me because my bmi isn't high enough or just shy of the limit. If there limit 40 I'd only need to gain like 3 pounds.... but if the limit is 45 I'd need to gain more like 35 pounds so that isn't an option. Hope this doesn't sound really stupid... I'd just rather gain the 3 pounds than have to deal with being denied.

If I call my ins company will they tell me what there procedure is for approving or denying? I want to ask, but I don't want to disclose anything on accident that might get me denied... like my bmi being 39.5 instead of 40.

Personally, I would never recommend anyone to gain weight in order to have a surgical procedure. However, I do understand your concerns. I think it is safe to ask your insurance company questions about their requirements.

I would gain the 3 lbs to be safe. Most Insurance want a 40 BMI if you do not have any weight related problems. I would go on the safe side of thing and gain the weight.

I would check it out with the ins co first. Some companies require you to show a history of a BMI of 40+

My BMI is just shy of 40.... it's like 39.something. Before I go to the appt where they get all my info and submit it to my ins for coverage approval, should I gain a few pounds to get my bmi over 40? I don't want them to deny me because my bmi isn't high enough or just shy of the limit. If there limit 40 I'd only need to gain like 3 pounds.... but if the limit is 45 I'd need to gain more like 35 pounds so that isn't an option. Hope this doesn't sound really stupid... I'd just rather gain the 3 pounds than have to deal with being denied.

If I call my ins company will they tell me what there procedure is for approving or denying? I want to ask, but I don't want to disclose anything on accident that might get me denied... like my bmi being 39.5 instead of 40.

I know this sounds crazy, but I did it because my BMI was 38.7 and not quite 40 and I didn't have any major medical problems. I got on the scale with my purse and I had a couple of hardback novels in it. I also had on my leather jacket and two sweatshirts. It took my BMI to 40. My co-worker put rocks in her pockets..LOL

I know this sounds crazy, but I did it because my BMI was 38.7 and not quite 40 and I didn't have any major medical problems. I got on the scale with my purse and I had a couple of hardback novels in it. I also had on my leather jacket and two sweatshirts. It took my BMI to 40. My co-worker put rocks in her pockets..LOL

I think thats a great idea. I am trying to stay above 40 BMI for the next two months and am really close. I might have to use your ideas.

My BMI is just shy of 40.... it's like 39.something. Before I go to the appt where they get all my info and submit it to my ins for coverage approval, should I gain a few pounds to get my bmi over 40? I don't want them to deny me because my bmi isn't high enough or just shy of the limit. If there limit 40 I'd only need to gain like 3 pounds.... but if the limit is 45 I'd need to gain more like 35 pounds so that isn't an option. Hope this doesn't sound really stupid... I'd just rather gain the 3 pounds than have to deal with being denied.

If I call my ins company will they tell me what there procedure is for approving or denying? I want to ask, but I don't want to disclose anything on accident that might get me denied... like my bmi being 39.5 instead of 40.

Call your insurance company and ask for a faxed or mailed copy of their WLS policy. Their policy will lay out the guidelines without you having to ask awkward questions. I went through it, though on the upper end, not the lower, and I am telling you it is WAY HARDER to get approved once you are denied than it is to take care of it and evaluate your options beforehand.

There was actually a poll on one of the other threads about this not too long ago. The majority of us said we would gain weight if it would help us to get our surgery covered by insurance.

If I were you, I would do as others suggested and check my policy first. If gaining a couple of pounds will help get coverage, I would start eating!

It's the age old question on here for some but I WOULD gain 5 pounds or whatever I had to so that they would pay for the surgery.

It's the age old question on here for some but I WOULD gain 5 pounds or whatever I had to so that they would pay for the surgery.

That's how I feel too. Unfortunately, thaat wasn't an issue for me.

I like all the suggestions for how to "gain" without actually eating more. Like drinking as much Water as you can before you get to the office and wearing heavy clothes and putting loose change in your pocket.

If I only had to gain a few pounds, that's what I'd do.

I seriously thought I was the only one who thought of doing things like this until I started reading here a week or so ago. Silly me.

I doubt that I really needed the keys in my pocket, the extra sweater on my back, and the liter of Water in my belly. I was close on weight, but I have diabetes and high blood pressure.

I like all the suggestions for how to "gain" without actually eating more. Like drinking as much water as you can before you get to the office and wearing heavy clothes and putting loose change in your pocket.

If I only had to gain a few pounds, that's what I'd do.

Haha yeah someone already mentioned this but there was a great poll about this a couple weeks back, tons of hilarious stories about people putting weights in their pockets and all sorts of stuff lol. I was worried about my bmi being over 40. My height always comes in differently (I think I hunch on accident) at either 5'1 or 5'2, and my weight is always fluctuating from 220 -229 (eh) I ate like, a half gallon tub of fruit loops and milk in the car on my way to the appointment and measured 5'2 - 223. I think its worth gaining a few if it means loosing a ton in the long run if everything goes as planned. Good luck!!!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/if-you-had-gain-weight-get-lap-band-covered-insurance-51152/

link to that poll - check it out

Some even said they wore ankle weights under their clothes!! But as I have said before, if it meant the difference between having my surgery covered or not, I think the list of things I would try would be a pretty long one. :confused:

Hey Allison!!

You have a LOT going on the next couple of days, don't you?? Good luck with all the tests and let us know how it goes! You'll do great, I know it!:confused: