Question:
Anyway around BMI of 35>for 24 months?

Cigna just denied me because my BMI hasn't been above 35 consistantly for over 24 months. I have had a BMI greater than 35 many times in the past 7 years but I always went on a diet and lost weight. I yo-yo'ed between 180 and 220 for years. Is there anyway around this...my BMI has been over 35 for the last few years most of the time. I really need to get this approval because I need my gallbladder out also and don't know if I can hold it off until I have 24 months in a row with a BMI of greater than 35. HELP!!!! Any Idea's?????    — NovemberHope (posted on November 10, 2008)

November 10, 2008
I was denied 5 years ago by Aetna, I hired Walter Lindsream an Obesity lawyer for $1500 from CA. He fought the denial and won my insurance battle! A friend of mine needs his contact info and I can't find it! can anyone help me out here?
   — Alivingangel

November 10, 2008
i'm in the same boat as you hon, during my 24 months my bmi dropped down to 33 twice, they are denying me, but i saw my primary doctor last week and she noticed i had gallbladder out during that time , so she is going to do a peer to peer soon to say this is not fair due to i lost more weight then normal due to my severe nausea and diarrhea i had prior to my gallbladder being removed and i was in the hospital for 4 days with no food just iv, so can you have your gallbladder surgeon or primary doc make a statement for you that you are having gallbladder problems and not eating right due to your symptoms ?
   — Tamara B.

November 10, 2008
Did you look at other things you might have that would qualify you? I have sleep apnea, GERD, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. If you have co-morbidity's you don't have to have a BMI of over 35, at least that is what my surgeon told me. Susan
   — susangielda06

November 10, 2008
I had Cigna and had the same problem. What the doctor recommended to me was to get records from doctors within the past two years that showed the greatest weight. I went up and down with diets. I got my records from my gynecologist and PCP at my highest weight. I finally got approved but had to go through a lot to get that approval. Keep on trying.
   — showcattlemom

November 11, 2008
Appeal. get the documentation showing your BMI's and your attempts to loose weight on your own. You shouldnt be denied because you have attepmted to loose weight. Thats stupid. Be a thorn in their ass.
   — urbrat2