BMI less than 40?

[gmwatson16 0]

Hi guys! I have a question. I am currently pre-op and just trying to get everything going, but my BMI is like 36 or something and I was wondering if anyone else was in the same situation and if you had any issues being approved.

I am still over weight for my height and I have a lot of diseases that run in my family as well as a family history of extreme obesity. I dunno I'm just a little worried at the moment.

Thanks guys!

[DeAndraBaby 0]

I had a similair situation.. My insurance required people to have a BMI of 40 or higher or if they are lower than 40, they have to have co-morbid diseases. Soo I too was very nervous when they sent my paperwork in for approval. But the lady at the bariatric center was honest and told me it was going to be a struggle, but that she would help me. I too have a huge family history of obesity, diabetes, heart problems, etc... She encouraged me to get two different primary care physicians to write a letter about their decision to support me and for me to write a letter to the insurance describing what i have been through with dieting and losing weight and how being overweight since a child has affected me.

Im guessing it worked because they approved me in a week, and the staff at the bariatric center was shocked because I guess my insurance is very strict about their guidelines.

My advice is dont give up and keep pushing the insurance... good luck to you!! :thumbup:

[jjc 0]

I had a BMI of 32 pre-op. I had tried every diet with little success and I too have a lot of weight related diseases in my family. My insurance did not cover it, but I financed, and still think it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. The first place I tried said I did not qualify, but the second place did.

[Unforgettable 0]

I just got approved this past week, and I believe my BMI is somewhere around 36-37. I have a horrible family history, as well as what they considered 2 comorbidities.

After speaking with the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office, she suggested going through with a sleep study to show that I have sleep apnea. Despite not having any sleeping problems, it did show that I do have mild sleep apnea. I believe this was also a big factor in getting approved.

[*~Jalicia~* 0]

That is so exciting that you got approved!! I remember when I was approved, I was histarical!! Anyway I was banded in January with a BMI of 37, 2 comorbidities, and family history. It seems we have a similar story, I've already lost 48 lbs, I'm halfway there!! It'll be rough at first but you won't regret it.

[Unforgettable 0]

That is so exciting that you got approved!! I remember when I was approved, I was histarical!! Anyway I was banded in January with a BMI of 37, 2 comorbidities, and family history. It seems we have a similar story, I've already lost 48 lbs, I'm halfway there!! It'll be rough at first but you won't regret it.

Yea we definitely have a very similar story, same BMI, around the same goal and just about the same amount of weight to lose. Hearing your story definitely makes me anxious to start mine!