self funded policy

I have bcbs of illinois, PPO, self funded. I was denied, cause I do not have a BMI of 40. And am not 100lbs overweight. I have a bmi of 35.5, and have depression, and degenerative disc disease. Is there anyway to get around this? HELP

I have heard of people getting approved if they have diabetes and other illness that won't improve unless you get the weight off and your Doctor(s) put it in writing. BCBS of IL is a hard insurance company when it comes to WLS. I know, my husband has BCBS of IL. Let us know how it goes. Good luck. Donna