BMI under 40-Anyone NOT get approved?

Hello All, I am just shy under 40 for my BMI and worried Insurance will not think I need the LAP BAND surgery. I may seem to not need it when people see me, but I am just as unhappy/healthy as someone who has more weight to loose. Any advice I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Nadine - Usually it's 100 lbs, not BMI that determines if you qualify. I heard some other folks say it was 80 lbs for women and 100 lbs for men. I don't think that in and of itself will be cause for disqualification. Good luck! Dina

Dina, Thanks for the reply.... I really want the surgery but I may not want to loose 100 pounds.. I would be back at my happy weight which would be about 80-90 pounds from where I am at. I am only 5'1 and weigh between 210-215 when I was MUCH younger 20 years ago I weighed 103-110 was my perfect weight. If I was 120 I'd be happy but they may not let me have the Lap-Band because of this. I have read somewhere in the forum, that if you have 100 and under to loose the Lap-Band was a good choice because it was gradual and it can be taken out after you get to your goal, it seems to be more controlled? Anyhow, anyone who is in this simualr position, please feel free to post....Thanks! And best of luck to everyone.......DON'T GIVE UP!! Nadine

Nadine - I don't see why you wouldn't qualify for the surgery. What YOUR goal and what is considered 100 lbs overweight is are 2 different things. As for removing the lap band when you reach goal, I have heard that is the absolute worst thing to do because your appetite returns and you gain it back very quickly. If the band works for you, I'd say don't mess with it. It will help keep you at goal. Dina -15

Hi Nadine. I am with Kaiser and their min BMI is 50. They denied me twice at 46 and 49 BMI. Then I got sick and was put on prednisone and got to 50. The other qualify status for them was 2 uncontrolled comorbid conditions if your BMI is under such has hypertension, diabetes, severe joint problems with an orthopedist recommending surgery...if you are denied DON'T GIVE up APPEAL APPEAL APPEAL. I would never have become a post op if I quietly walked away. The question to really research is - is the surgery worth the risk at a 40 BMI? Only you and your physician can answer that. You'll be loosing 100 plus pounds. GOOD Luck Joanna

Thank you Joanna for your message......I definetly will be moving forward with the surgery.....one way or another Congrats to you! Nadine