Question:
WHAT IF THE BMI IS 40 ON THE NOSE?

my friend asked me a question so i said i would find out for her. linda asked that her bmi is 40 and she went on the 6 month insurance diet and lost X amount of pounds ( that would bring her bmi down below 40 but not by much lets say 39-38) would she still qualify for wls. mind you she has NO co-morbs? also i just wanted to let you know i love you guys and gals on oh! you are great people and very helpful. simply the best!(((((group hug!))))    — chickie_mama (posted on February 27, 2009)

February 27, 2009
Hi Dawn, I have not had my surgery yet however I know that one of the determining factors will depend on what type of insurance your friend has. I had several co-morbidities and was barely under 40 BMI and I didnt have any trouble getting approved.Best of wishes to your friend and I hope she is able to attain her goal!! God Bless Kim
   — kurtsgirl

February 27, 2009
If her BMI was ever over 40 the history of yo-yo dieting and flux in weight might be enough to convince them that she needs surgery to get her weight down and keep it down. Wish her luck!
   — lesleigh07

February 27, 2009
I was told by my surgeon's office the starting weight/bmi would be used by my insurance company to determine whether or not I met the criteria. Having no solid, documented co-morbidities, I made sure I was above the 40 BMI mark (just barely) when I went for my initial consult. That eliminated a lot of problems and work trying to go back and obtain medical records from the various cities I had lived in over the past five years. I, too, was concerned if I lost weight on the 6-month diet, I would no longer qualify, but I was assured that was not the case. Another thing I have experienced and heard is people often find their BMI to be calculated higher at the surgeon's office than what they calculated on their own. I always assumed I was an inch taller than what I was measured as at my initial consult. An inch makes a big difference in calculating BMI. I would have your friend ask her insurance company (request answer in writing) or potential surgeon that question as well, but this has been my experience.
   — wenniewo

February 28, 2009
Hey Dawn - I know with my insurance and the surgical group I went through it is BMI of 35, but there have to be co-morbidity issues involved. My BMI was 41 (now it is 23) and I three other co-morbidities (which are gone). So, I think it depends...
   — JaimeK

March 16, 2009
Hi Dawn, I was at 40 BMI when I started my 6 month insurance diet, I have United Health Care, I got my BMI down to 39. I never heard a peep from them. I do agree that every insurance co. is differant so to be sure your friend might want to hover at 40 just in case. Sad that we have to try to beat them at their own games....but it's worth it. Good luck!
   — Laurie H.