Question:
Does anyone know if BC/BS in Alabama approves WLS for anyone with a BMI of 35 or less

with comorbites such as mitral valve prolapse, heart valve regurgitation and murmur, sleep problems, narcolepsy, depression and many others.    — CINDY D. (posted on March 10, 2003)

March 10, 2003
Cindy, I think it's extremely unlikely. The best thing to do is to get a copy of the policy, or the handbook your employer should have given you outlining what's covered and what's not. It's also worth a call to the customer service department of the insurance company. Most of the information I've seen indicates that the surgery isn't covered for someone with a BMI under 35, even with co-morbids.
   — garw

March 10, 2003
You may want to look into the lap band - that's for people with lower BMI's - purely restrictive.
   — jengrz

March 10, 2003
Hi Cindy! I have BCBS of Alabama and was approved quickly with a BMI of 39 with co-morbs of Type II Diabetes and high cholesterol. My surgeon was Andrew Dewitt at Birmingham Carraway Hospital. Best of luck and best of health to you! SP
   — SandyParker