Hi everyone, I plan on being banded soon, but I am still going through the insurance process. My insurance (anthem blue cross northern ca) requires a BMI of over 40 because I do not have any co morbidities. I can't lose any weight before my consult as I am borderline already. I am wondering if I lose weight before the day of surgery if it will affect my insurance coverage. I don't want to be weighed in that morning and have anything cancelled for a BMI under 40. Especially since many doctors require a diet before the procedure.

The information submitted prior to approval is the only information the insurance company will receive or require. Once approved, you are approved-period. Once you have that approval letter in hand, you no longer have to worry. They may keep track of your weight after surgery to decide whether they will approve payment of fills, mine does.

Edited June 17, 200917 yr by Jodi_620

i was told the same thing that jodi_620 said above. approval weight is all that matters - so go buy those ankle weights and drink some salt water and get approved! jk.

Mine was bmi 35 (the minimum) at approval and 32 at surgery. haven;t got a bill yet from insurance over it ha ha.

Hi everyone, I plan on being banded soon, but I am still going through the insurance process. My insurance (anthem blue cross northern ca) requires a BMI of over 40 because I do not have any co morbidities. I can't lose any weight before my consult as I am borderline already. I am wondering if I lose weight before the day of surgery if it will affect my insurance coverage. I don't want to be weighed in that morning and have anything cancelled for a BMI under 40. Especially since many doctors require a diet before the procedure.