How Depressing!

 So I am scheduled to have my Lap Band surgery done on September 26, 2011 and right now I am going through all of the prerequisite stuff and trying to prepare myself mentally and physically for the changes I am about to undergo. 
I am 6' tall and at my highest weight I was 302lbs. I have no comorbidities at this time so I needed to have a BMI of 40+ to qualify for this surgery through my insurance company. At my first visit with the surgeon, I weighed in at 298lbs which landed me at 40.4bmi. 
So I began making changes in my diet to prepare, I stopped eating late meals when I got home at  1130 at night, I started choosing healthier options and trying to do protien first. I'm cutting back on coffee and tea, drinking more water, etc. 
Anyway, so I go see my surgeon again yesterday, and when he weighs me in, I am at 292lbs. A six pound loss since last month, yay! right? NO. This puts my BMI at 39.6 which means if I don't gain back at least 3lbs by my next visit, I will no longer be eligible for my surgery!

How depressing is that!? 

I know this is a mental game, that I need to see past this bump in the road to reach my destination, but I have to say that this cat and mouse game we need to play with the insurance company is ridiculous. Even with those few lost pounds, I still need to lose over 100 more to reach what is considered a healthy weight for my height. I'm just frustrated, thanks for listening.

That is very depressing and also very ironic! I guess you will just have to try to gain weight sensibly. A tip for adding weight to the scale is a healthy way is to drink as much water as you possibly can right before you step in the scale - don't pee it put until after you weigh in. You can easily add 2-3lbs with a couple of bottles of water.

Good luck!

 I am sorry that you have to experience this!  It is a tough, long game when dealing with the insurance company.

Mine was different though.  They used my first initial weight with my primary doctor as my qualifying weight.  I do not know if yours is different, but you might want to check to make sure before you have to gain back those lost pounds.  I wish you luck with the insurance company.  They can be tricky!

Did your doctor tell you that?  I was worried about a similar situation, but my doc said that the insurance company would base their decision on the weight at the first visit, combined with the 3 year history i had to provide from my primary physician.  Any subsequent weight loss (i lost 9 pounds before surgery) did not count against me, as the insurance company wants to see that a patient CAN be compliant.

My surgeon uses the first recorded weight once you visit the office. Ask yours if that's what he/she does.

Lisa O.

I was in the same boat.  My BMI was a 35.9 and had to be 35 or greater for my insurance to pay (I have comorbidities).  My surgeon actually asked me not to lose weight during my preop process.  Although he also asked me not to gain. 

Just try to play with the same 6 or so lbs during your preop and practice some of the other needed behaviors like increasing water intake, taking smaller bites and chewing, chewing, chewing.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to weigh in with your heaviest shoes on and a few rolls of quarters in your pockets : )

My insurance went by my first weigh in as well and my past history. I didn't pay any attention to were you live but is it too early to wear boot, a snowmobile suit maybe and a helmet? Carry and hold a big heavy purse and do tha****er thing

i'm with the majority of othere, here.  The first visit's weight was used.  But i love ilovebeagles idea!  put lots in your pockets keep the shoes on etc.  good luck!

I needed a BMI of 35 to be approved (with comorbidities) and I was at 35.8 on my initial visit. I lost 21 pounds before my surgery and the insurance didn't quibble. As someone else said, ask your insurance company and double check with your surgeons insurance person. They have had lots of experience.