Question:
anyone with BCBSFED aprvd for lapband with a BMI of 38 and comorbidities?

I'm 48 5 ' 2 " 210 with a lifetime history of losing 30 lbs and gaining 40, have sleep apnea, Gerd, Hypothyroidism, high cholesterol and elevated liver enzymes. Have chosen the lap band procedure but don't know if BCBS Fed will approve being under 40 BMI.    — Villager (posted on November 2, 2005)

November 2, 2005
You could be me. I'm 5'2, was 205 pounds, with sleep apnea, reflux, elevated cholesterol, etc. at the 38th BMI. I was also still covered under my ex-husbands FED Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. There were no problems with my being approved. My physician's office, Dr. Noah Williams in Philadelhpia, took care of it for me and I received approval immdiately. I had a roux and y byass on June 2nd, no problems with recovery, and am now down to about 155. My weight loss is a little slower than average, but my goal is 130 so I'm not far off. Incidentally, my cholesterol's gone from 260 to 190 w/o medications and all my bood work's come back fabulously. Good luck to you. Linda
   — Linda G.

November 2, 2005
Continued from Linda. Incidentally, I'll be 59 December 22nd so am older than you are. Couldn't have given myself a better birthday present. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Linda
   — Linda G.

November 3, 2005
Hi! I'm 48 also and am scheduled to have RNY on 11/14. My husband has BCBSFed and we were told the only requirements for BCBSFed approval is for the patient to be over 18 and have a BMI of 40 OR be 100 pounds overweight. Don't know if that is strictly true but I was approved on the first try. Good Luck
   — MoabMama

November 3, 2005
Be proactive. go to your insurance company's web site, or call and ask. They will tell you the requirements for approval.
   — Novashannon

November 17, 2005
i'm so glad to hear you say that i am 37 with bmi of 36 comorbidites of 2 herniated disk and torn tissue inknees there is a long name for it cant remember right now but i have bcbsppo and i heard they were the easiest so i have a consult with a doctor in nj tomorrow hope all is well i am onehundred lbs overweight according to the medial charts i should be 150 i weigh 240 i can gain ten lbs by time of surgery
   — bina

November 17, 2005
BCBSFED - will not approve lapband. They feel it is too new. No problem with RNY, I was approved in 2 days.
   — robinsoc140