Question:
Does qualification goes by BMI or weight?

from calculations I seem to be 97lbs. over my ideal weight but my BMI comes out to be 41.2 (I'm 211 lbs. and 4'11) I have my first consultation in a week and I would like to know my chances of being qualifie. Thank you and god bless    — Marie V. (posted on October 20, 2003)

October 20, 2003
A BMI of 41.2 makes you MO. If your insurance does not have exclussions then you qualify. I have heard of a few surgeons that only take people with a BMI of 43 or higher, but I believe that is very rare. I really would not worry too much. :) Good luck!
   — TheresaC

October 20, 2003
It goes by your BMI. I am close to your size and was approved with no co-morbs in less than 6 hours. I am 5 ft and 213lbs. Bmi 41.Good luck!!
   — Mischief1212 A.

October 20, 2003
I'm 4'10, 211, BMI 44. Sometimes being short has it's advantages. Counting the weekends, my approval took 18 days. Good Luck, Robin
   — Robin W.

October 21, 2003
Most insurance compaines go by BMI and co-morbs. Surgeons tend to always go by BMI and how much you've tired to loose weight. You will be considered a light weight, but that does NOT mean you will not be approved!!! People have had surgery with BMI of 38 before. Just depends on your insurance policy, your surgeon's policy and your co-morbs.
   — Renee B.

October 21, 2003
I was approved with a BMI of 37.5!My surgery is scheduled for Dec.5th.I have osteoarthritis in my knees,GERD,high cholesteral(hyperlipidemia)I had statements to support all this from didderent docs and a letter of recomendation from my primary physician.Good luck!!!!!P>S> I have BC/BC HMO
   — natalie J.

October 26, 2003
It depends with your insurance company - usually the norm is BMI of 40 with no co-morbids, or over 35 with co-morbids. I'm 5'0" and started out at 205 (BMI just 40) and got approved through BC/BS (I did have "subjective" co-morbids like family hx of obesity, knee pain, stress incontinence). One year out, I'm happy to say I'm at goal weight of 100lbs! (open proximal 100cm RNY)
   — jengrz