Question:
my bmi is 37 my comorbids are, high cholestrol, high blood pressure,depression, sleep

apnea, I have healthpartners. do you think i will be approved?    — Tammi B. (posted on April 17, 2007)

April 17, 2007
Mine was 39.9 with only depression listed-- I was approved-- Good Luck- depends on your insurance company. Jackie
   — Jackie W.

April 17, 2007
It depends upon your insurance company and the group coverage that your employer has chosen for coverage. You have the BMI and co-morbidities, do you have documented trials of weight loss, as you will need these as well. You will probably be approved, but it all remains to be seen. Either check out or buy the book... The doctor's guide to weight loss surgery by Louis Flancbaum, MD... it has a great chapter on paying for weight loss surgery, including sample support letters from PCP and surgeons, appeal letters and attorneys to help get benefits, etc.
   — Kari_K

April 18, 2007
Tammi you pose a good question, but don't ask it here, ask your insurance company. Insurance companies all have their own rules, and even if they cover wls, if your company did not elect to have that coverage, it won't help you. Check with the source and get the straight story. You can also appeal if you need to to prove your case, but please keep in mind that depression can play against you not for you for wls. Be sure that is under control and don't emphasize it, it could work against you. Please be sure you are getting the counseling and guidance to help you with depression. It is a very real thing, but again, if you have wls, it can play against you if you are not careful. Depressed men and women who have had wls have sometimes gotten more depressed, which is why it is more difficult to obtain approval. If you are not getting counseling for your personal issues, please consider it. Life is way to short to not enjoy what God gives so freely. Take care Tammi, and I wish you well. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

April 18, 2007
It is very possible, my BMI was 38 and I had the lapband in already, which made me sick all the time, my insurance company approved my switch to the bypass pretty quickly. Of course the best way is to call frequently i beleive, it worked for me and I have no co-morbities at all, it will happen, best of luck to you.
   — noboat4u