Question:
How obese does one have to be for most of the HMO companies to consider surgery ?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on June 6, 1999)

June 6, 1999
The guideline I've always seen and heard from both the surgical qualification side and the insurance approval is "Morbidly Obese" which is consider 100 pounds or more over your "normal" weight.
   — Sherrie G.

June 7, 1999
My insurance, not an HMO, required me to be at least 100+ pounds overweight. Now they might reduce that depending on what co-morbidies that you have.
   — dboat

June 8, 1999
At least 100lbs over your normal weight! Robin
   — Robin C.

June 8, 1999
At least 100lbs over your normal weight! Robin
   — Robin C.

August 10, 1999
My insurance says I have to be double the normal weight for my height to be approved for the surgery.It seems the other insurance companies that only say 100+ are a little more reasonable!!!!
   — Michelle S.

September 8, 1999
It depends on the insurance company. Mine said that you had to have a BMI of 35 with 2 co-morbidities, OR have a BMI of 40, and with both, you had to additionally be clinically diabetic, not be currently treated for a severe psychological disorder, have been obese for at least 5 years, had a family history of obesity, and have gone through several different weight loss programs.
   — Molly S.