If BMI is over 60

I read so many posts on here but have a question that I can't get a firm answer on.  Probably because there is not one!  But I will ask anyway, responses welcome.

If a person has a BMI of 60 or more, co-morbidity as I know it is severe osteo arthritis and severe spine/neck pain but I haven't yet had the sleep test or a cardio exam, is that alone a pretty good sign of insurance acceptance for WLS?

I know...just wishful thinking but I am hoping for better responses.  At the least, maybe gave you something to giggle at today.

Sadly it really depends on your insurance company.  For mine, I believe my BMI just had to be over 40 and I qualified with no co-morbids.  (I was able to find this information out just by calling the number on my insurance card.)

Hi Karen. I would say if your conditions were caused by your weight then maybe but you would have to prove they were. Insurance companies don't want to have to pay for these surgeries so they can be very strict. Having other test done might be helpful just in case what you have now don't count. I have spine problems too but not from my weight.  I would think your doctor should be able to tell you that. Have you had any appointments yet with a WLS clinic/hospital?  Good Luck

No, my spine issues were not caused by weight, just exacerbated by it.  At least my back doc did write a letter of support stating that WLS would be beneficial to reducing the amount of pain in my spine.

It is my understanding that if your BMI is over 40, you do not need co-morbidity factors to qualify for WLS.  If it between 35 and 40, you do.

I also had a BMI of 60 when I started.  today I am 13 months post op and have a BMI of 28!  This WLS really works.  It doesn't make it easy, but it does make it possible.

best of luck in your weight loss journey.  I look forward to watching you succeed.

Carol

That is good to know Cappy.  And you are doing so well.  I know I am just trying to find answers that I am not able to get from the insurance company or others.  It's nice to get positive responses like yours. 

In no way am I looking for a magic pill, I have the band and know well how much of my work is involved in any wls.  But getting the sleeve approved has me a bit unnerved.

As others have said IF your insurance company covers weight loss surgery, generally they approve it if your BMI is 40 or above or 35 with co-morbidities.

Check your insurance to see if it is covered.

This is so off topic but your before and after pic is amazing! You go girl

Pretty much what everyone else said. My BMI was 63, I did not need anything else to be approved.

you're pretty much spot on with your thinking Karen.  60+ is a safe bet.  My highest BMI was 61 and I had no diabetes, no diagnosed high blood pressure although it was actually highish all the time at 130/100 or so. ..   i did have sleep apnea.  but seriously ,no true documented comorbidities.  just the fact that was I 230 pounds overweight was literally enough.