Blue Cross BS of MN lower BMI

 I am so hoping someone out there can help me with this question.

I have steadily been gaining weight for years now, seems I loose 20 and gain back 30. I am sure everyone's story out there. I currently have a BMI of 43 and two years ago it was 32. I have went up and down a lot over those two years, with now being my largest. I have obstructive sleep apnea that was diagnosed recently and degenerative joint disease that was officially diagnosed three months ago. I have struggled with both for YEARS undiagnosed. SO to get to my point, I was told today by my program's INS specialist (half way through the program) that I will not qualify as I did not have a BMI of at least 35 with the co-morbidities diagnosed two years ago. 

I am heartbroken! I am 33 and am waiting to have childred until post op 18 months.  I do not know If I can go another year like this and I have tried every diet known to man and have no faith in my ability to loose anymore. 

Has anyone found that they COULD have surgery without a two year co-morbid history and at least 2 years of BMI being 35 or above? 

Before you settle for what this person said as your final answer, call BCBSMN and ask THEM what their requirements are.  Go to your PCP and ask if he/she would be willing to go to bat for you.  You have the diagnosed co-morbs now, that has to count for something, as should the documented upward movement in your weight.

Fight for this, if you truly believe in your heart it's right for you.  And if you have to fight or wait for a long period of time, just trust that it's worth it in the end.

As for having babies?  You don't necessarily have to wait until after you have WLS.  I had mine at well over 300 pounds, my BMI was over 50. 

Good luck to you ~

 Thank you so very much for the post! I made some calls today and it is BS that the co-morbidities have to be at least 2 years old. I can show that my weight was 34 prior which is darn close! I called BCBS and two different reps could not tell me if I need to have a BMI of 35 for two years, the policy is so vague. The question was sent to a claims rep and I should hear back soon. I will keep everyone updated. 
Thank you so very much for responding!

 Oh, and yes I want very bad to have a baby, but need to loose as much weight as possible before as I already have back issues. I was soo hoping to get the surgery this year so I did not have to delay pregnancy any longer than I have to. I am afraid the closer I get to 40 the harder time I will have getting pregnant.

 And you can appeal a BCBS decision if the initial one is a denial. I appealed twice and won on the 3rd try. So never give up complete hope!!! Stay in the fight!

 Can I ask why you were denied? Even the clinic program manager is saying I prob will not be approved because my co-morbid was diagnosed a year ago and not two. BCBS said it was case by case when I asked them if that was a deal breaker. Getting VERY discouraged so I appreciate your post very much!!