Question on getting approved with a BMI of 50 +

I have a BMI of 51..i found out my insurance covers the surgery 100%. I'm just wondering if anyone had to have more then just a BMI of 50+ to get surgery. For example, you had to be a BMI of 40+ and have health issues. Or do they take the morbid obesity and accept that? I don't have anything really wrong with my health besides the BMI.. Almost 300 lbs. I'm afraid of getting denied just because of that. Anyone go through this? 

I'd suggest asking your insurance company what their requirements are.  That's really the best way to ease your fears!

The requirements for RNY, sleeve and DS are all a BMI of 35 with co-morbs, OR a BMI over 40, period. Sometimes different insurance companies try to restrict what surgeries a patient can get by adding something like needing a BMI over 50 to get the DS, or saying that the sleeve is experimental, but those things have been fought successfully too many times now, and don't pose much of an issue. 

That said, I highly suggest that with a BMI over 50, you research the DS. It has the best success rate and getting the weight off, and keeping it off, as well as resolving co-morbs (PARTICULARLY blood sugar/type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and metabolic issues). Studies have also shown it's most helpful to those with a BMI over 50, as well as those that are under. I'm all about the studies. I didn't want to do all this just to need a second surgery, or fail.

As Gwen said, check your insurance policy for what it requires, but generally if your BMI is over 40, that is an automatic approval (once you jump thorough any hoops they have for pre-op diet and provide whatever documentation they require for weight history, etc.).

i had my approval in 2 days with an initial BMI of 57.

Lora