Friend

I have a friend that really wants to have RNY but she thinks she will not qualify.  She also has BCBSNC, her BMI is 36.5 and she has been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure 6 months ago.   Is there a chance she may qualify with the high blood pressure?

Thanks,

Amy

It seems to me I remember seeing that you might get approval with a BMI less than 40 (at least 35, I think) with co-morbidities -- and hypertension is one of the co-morbidities of obesity. 

She'd have to check with her insurance company to make sure and, of course, meet their requirements for documentation and such. 

But I'm a firm believer that anything is possible.

My BMI was 53, and I still had to fight tooth & nail to get it covered!

Hi Amy,

More than a chance..she most likely will qualify. The guidelines require that she has a BMI of 35 or greater with at least 1 comorbidity and high blood pressure is considered a comorbidity... sounds like she might be in like flynn!

I am a State Employee and our guidelines when I had surgery were if your BMI was between 35-40 you would be approved with co-morbidities like high blood pressure.  Im sure it is certainly worth her effort and time to pursue WLS if she is truly interested and committed to making it work for her.