Question:
has anyone been appoved for the sleeve with a bmi under 50? I was told insurance

won't approve sleeve surgery unless bmi is 50. mine is 39. Does anyone know if there is any exceptions to this rule? If so, how did you get around it. And does anyone knows what insurance has approved the sleeve with a bmi 0f 39 or under? Really want to get the sleeve.    — Danasha O'Brien (posted on November 18, 2011)

November 18, 2011
I know for a fact at the Cleveland Clinic and with my insurance they will perform a sleeve on someone over 40. I had the RNY and my BMI was either 39 or 40, I could have gotten it, but at the time my insurance didn't pay, then 2 months later, they started to pay. To tell you the truth I wish I had gotten the sleeve as well. Good luck!
   — FSUMom

November 19, 2011
why do you want the surgery with that low of a bmh? they will not do it unless you have a serious medical reason to have it done it is a very serious surgery.
   — just-ducky

December 2, 2011
My BMI was under 50 but I had high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
   — Ladyshe

December 9, 2011
I had a VSG on 12-5-11 and my starting BMI was 44.5. My insurance approved it. They approved for BMI of 40.0+ or 35-39 with 2 or more comordibities such as diabetes or sleep apnea. Good luck.
   — ap728

December 20, 2011
My BMI was under 50 (37) and I was approved by my insurance on the first try. I did have comorbidities though (hypertension and bladder incontinence).
   — MsMick111