Anyone with starting BMI's of 35-40 who got approved?

Hi there, I am looking for some assistance from people who had lower BMIs trying to get the WLS approvals from their insurance companies and what your comorbidities were and now the approval process went for you?? Kimberly

Hi Kimberly, You might want to go on the Lightweights Board.  I go on there a lot and it's really helpful.  There are a lot of people on there who were low BMIs and got approved for WLS.  I was between 35-40 and initially got denied, but went through another surgery center and they did a wonderful job at resubmitting and got it approved.  Hope this helps.. tkdchick

Kimberly, I had a BMI of 38. I'm 5'5" and was 229 pounds. I have BCBS. In order for it to get approved you had to be a BMI of 40, so I was in the consideration stage I guess you could say. I did all the requirements even though it didn't seem like they would cover it. I guess that was appealing to the insurance company.......I also had high blood pressure.  So I did the Dietition visit, saw the psycologist 3 times and took the tests, did 1 year of documented diets through the Doctor, Plus had 10 yrs. of failed diets recorded, filled out all paperwork, and the clinic had me write a letter to BCBS on why I want the surgery. I think I was very lucky in getting this approved, I really didn't think they would approve me. Your better off being 40% body fat, there's not as many hoops to jump through........ If you have anymore questions feel free to ask. Good luck to you...... Kelly

Hi Kimberly, I had a BMI of 39 with bad knees and a mild case of Sleep Apnea.  I was approved on my first submittal.  I did 3 Dietican visits, Psych Visit and history of gaining and losing weight.  My insurance was Medica.  Good luck! Bonnie

Kimberly, I'm 5'6" was 226.5, BMI of 36.6...very low according to insurance companies.  My comorbidities were diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol.  I jumped through every hoop the insurance company,my pcp, the surgeon, the psych told me to.  From start of the process to surgery date was 6 1/2months.  My approval was decided 2 days after it was submitted. Good luck, Debi

I had a BMI of 39 and was approved through Health Partners after jumping through their hoops.  I will be having lapband surgery on the 23 of June.  I had high blood pressure as a co morbidity