Question:
has anybody healthy had wls surgery approved?

I have some comorbidies, High cholestral, Asthma, Stress incontiniouse, family history of heart disease and diabetes. BMI 43 I have been heavy like this for over 10 years now. Am 27 years old with cigna hmo.    — sheri B. (posted on June 27, 2002)


June 27, 2002
I was not in bad health and I got my surgery approved without any complications. I am 30 and my cholesterol was high and have the same family history. I also have stress incontinence and shortness of breath. I was really happy to go to Bariatric Treatment Centers because they examined me and sent a report to my insurance and I was approved without any problems. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. I did however write a letter of all my diet history and my feelings and gave it to them. Im not sure if they submitted it or not. Hope this helps ya!
   — Rachel W.

June 27, 2002
I am/was healthy, with no comorbidies at all. But, my BMI was over 50 and I was more then 100 pounds over weight that was all my insurance company needed to approve my surgery. My insurance company is Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York.
   — Tami C.

June 27, 2002
I was approved with hardly any co-morbs. I had just been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, when I had a physical, that showed, cholesterol perfect, blood pressure great, thyroid good. I was over 100#'s over weight though. I have HealthNet, and was approved with no diaries, or histories to fill out.
   — Ron E.

June 27, 2002
Hi. I'm 25 with hardly any co-morbids. I have been 100 lbs. overweight for a very long time (at least 10 years) and have a family history of obesity related illnesses. I was approved in a snap! My insurance is BCBS. You probably will get approved. Good luck!
   — MoLyn

June 27, 2002
Hello! I am 29 with no co-morbids. I just weighed 307.5 pounds and had many failed diet attempts. I was approved and had surgery on April 29, 2002 -45 pounds. Good luck!
   — stacey L.

June 27, 2002
I am 32 with a BMI of 49.4 I just got approved TODAY! WooHoo! Anyway, I have NO, ZERO Co Morbids... Good Luck to you! (I even have Kaiser)
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 27, 2002
I am 28 yrs. old and do not have any comorbidies. My BMI was high enough (43.0) for the surgery to be medically necessary. After 4 weeks, received my approval letter from Sagamore Plus and am awaiting the testing and surgery date.
   — Angy P.

June 27, 2002
I am 22 and had a BMI of 44. Only sord-of co-morb I had was plantar-fascaatis (SP) feet problems b/c of weight. I never sent in documentation of it though, just mentioned it. Insurance probably knew about it because I have to wear orthotics in my shoes. I was approved with AETNA in less than 3 weeks! goodluck!
   — Lezlie Y.

June 27, 2002
I am 39 and am blessed with no health issues other than an extra 80 pounds. I had my first WLS (VRG) at 32 and had no co-morbides then either. Revision to DS is coming 7/15. halleluia!
   — Nanette H.

June 27, 2002
I was probably the healthiest fat person I know. I had NO problems except that I was overweight by more then 100 pounds and had a BMI of 46. I got approved the same day they received my paperwork. However, my insurance certificate booklet clearly defined when they would pay for WLS. You had to be over 100 pounds overweight with a BMI of 40+ if you didn't have any co-morbidites. With co-morbidities (which they defined as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes or cardiopulmonary conditions)the BMI had to be 35+.
   — Patty H.

June 27, 2002
I considered me a healthy fat person. My bmi was 46.5. Other than being overweight I had NO other health issues. I was approved by my insurance company within 2 weeks. Good Luck!
   — stacjean

June 28, 2002
I was 96lbs overweight, a BMI of 39 and the only health problem I had was high cholesterol and I was approved by BCBS, I am now 2 months post op and down 45lbs.
   — Michell C.

June 28, 2002
I have cigna hmo, and am 28. I had a bmi of 44 and no co morbs. I was approved by my insurance company over the phone in a matter of seconds. I too was heavy for almost 10 years. Cigna has been wonderful to me! Good luck to you!
   — Jeannette P.

June 28, 2002
I have Aetna (hmo). My BMI was 43, I'm 24 years old, had no real comorbitities (except some arthritis) and considered my self pretty healthy (for now anyway). I did have a family history of diseases which was noted on my letter. I was approved in less than a week!
   — emilyfink

June 28, 2002
I was basically extremely healthy, other than the weight and a BMI of 43. However, I listed every ache and pain and dificulty moving that I could document. I also fully documented the mental and emotional suffering I was going through begin MO. (Now I WAS on anti-depressants, so I guess that counts for something as a co-morbidity). Anyway, my insurance considers any BMI over 40 as automatically qualifying, assuming that you've had the obesity problem for a number of years and have tried diet and exercise already. Just don't forget that the aches and pains and suffering that the we go through when we are obese do qualify as co-morbidities when put in the right frame.
   — Kathy J.

June 28, 2002
I am 31 years old, had a BMI of 42. I had my surgery 7 weeks ago. I did not have any health problems except back pain and arthritis in my foot (from a car accident). My PCP just wrote on a script pad that he recommended WLS surgery for me due to "orthopedic problems" and I was approved on my first attempt. I have AEtna US Healthcare MC insurance.
   — Kelly S.

June 28, 2002
I am 45 with a BMI of 43.9. I am 125lbs overweight and was approved in three weeks. I have Medical Mutual/Super Med Plus. My surgery is on August 28,2002. I was also afraid because I was so healthy and didn't let the weight stop me from doing things. I just listed everything I could think of that was difficult to do and all my aches and pains. Go For it and Good Luck!
   — Linda K.




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