Question:
What do I do if my insurance company won't approve me because I don't weigh enough?

   — Kim W. (posted on December 24, 2002)

December 24, 2002
Hi Kim....sorry to hear about your delima...I had the same problem...had to gain weight in order to get approved. I have Cigna and they INSISTED on a BMI of > than 40..so I ate to my hearts content and got up to 40.3...then there was no problem. If your BMI is 39 you dont have far to go so it may be easiest to just dig in and enjoy.....oh and confirm your height, I was an inch shorter than I thought so I didnt have to gain as much as I had origionally expected...GOOD LUCK
   — Keniki B.

December 24, 2002
Slouch when getting your height measured, Wear heels to the appointment, and take them off for the measure, so you get checked in bare feet. Wear heavy clothes, eat well and a BIG meal right before your weight check, some carry some rolls of quarters in their pockets.
   — bob-haller

December 24, 2002
I agree, confirm your height. I was shocked to find out that by age 30 I had shrank nearly an inch and by 50 I had shrank another inch. That helped a bunch.
   — Darlene P.

December 24, 2002
Knock an inch off your height before you go in, slouch if they measure you. Go to your local dive shop and buy some dive weights that scuba divers put in their belt to weigh them down in the water--they come in one, two, five lb weights and they are very small and flexible--I wore a few in my pants pockets, bra and jacket pockets and wow, it worked and I got approved immediately after having my heartbroken by BC/BS because my BMI was 39. With the one inch shorter height and the dive weights, I got it to 41 and was approved immediately. I told my doctor afterwards, and he just smiled and shook his head! I'm 7 mos postop and down 85 lbs, 10 lbs to goal, no diabetes or hypertension anymore, wearing a size 8/10!!!! Though I'll probably never scuba dive, I've saved those dive weights and the outfit I wore with them as I reminder that they saved my life!!!!! Good luck to you!!!!
   — Denise D.

December 25, 2002
What Denise is suggesting is insurance fraud. Risky and unneccesary. If the medical necessity is there...IT'S THERE, without risk. Let's use this website /w some integrity, huh?
   — Barbara M.

December 25, 2002
Kim, I've always been told that the rules were 100 pounds overweight with a BMI of 40 or higher, OR (and this is where you fit), a BMI over 35 with co-morbidities. The acid reflux, back pain etc are all co-morbidities. But in the meantime, since your appt is not until March, thats a good 3 months to eat more and try to gain a few more pounds. Then at your appt, eat a good hearty meal before weigh-in. And the others are right, to check your height. For years I had thought I was 5'4", and always told the docs etc that was my weight. Well, a year ago, I hadto have a physical for a new job and lo and behold, I was 5'3"!! Shocked me...
   — Cindy R.

December 25, 2002
I didnt weight enough but by time the consult came i ate like a hog and gained the needed pounds .. so you could eat your way to 235 or just wear lots a clothes. please dont get offended and tell me its immoral or what not.. everyone who needs this surgery deserves some sort of help to obtain it. good luck to all !!
   — brandy H.