Question:
I have a High BMI. has anyone on here gained weight just so they could get approved?

This may sound like a terrible question. I know it sounds really horrible. But, I have just been wondering after reading all the posts for those who are under a bmi of 40. Has anyone who had a BMI slightly short of 40 and didn't have any comorbitities that the insurance company would consider purposely gained weight to get approved? If I were in a position where I only had to gain 10-20lbs and had other health problems, and really decided that I needed surgery, that is a thought that might cross my mind. So, has anyone done this before?    — Michelle H. (posted on March 29, 2002)

March 29, 2002
Hello. Well, I see no one has responded yet but I can tell you from my experience of reading this site for more than one year now, that people with "just below" BMIs most definately have gained a few, or even weigh in at the Dr with rolls of coins in their pockets or some kind of heavy clothing to get them to the needed BMI. Now, some insurance companies have different guidelines and you may think that one could qualify with a bmi of 40 (no comorbs) just because of the BMI, but that's not always the case. Some companies won't consider it unless your bmi is 50! I guess it's best to get this info first before you go and do something like this. Read through the Q&A and you will see many others addressing this same thing and how they did it. . . Of course, we can all understand WHY! =) Blessings,
   — ChristiMNB

March 29, 2002
I did not gain weight on purpose, I merely waited a few months and inevitably the weight came on like I had a feeling it would. I have a BMI above 4o now but my insurance co. requires 12 months of physician documented diet attempts and although I have well over that many in attempts, I have very little paperwork to back it up. Good Luck!
   — Tara J.

April 1, 2002
Yup. BMI was 38.7, but six weeks of Big Macs, regular soda, etc., changed all of that (and almost killed me--ick!) Now I'm down almost 100lbs and feel great. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
   — PT LawMom

April 2, 2002
Guilty as charged. And I was so sick of food by the time I gained 15 pounds that I was really, really ready mentally to make a change. 97 pounds later and a size 8 from a 22/24. I would do it again in a heartbeat, no apologies from me! "Yippy! for WLS!"
   — blank first name B.

February 19, 2003
O so guilty! I didn't actually gain the 10lbs I was short of getting approved, but my husband helped me by lining my shoes with soft lead weights. It killed my back to walk in them, but I got approved, and have absolutley no regrets. I would totally do it again it a heartbeat! Down 120lbs and now a size 8 from a 28. Can't beat that!
   — Dana H.

February 20, 2003
My intent here is not to sound "holier than thou". Everyone does what they have to do. My husband had a BMI of 38.5 and was denied because our insurance required a BMI of 40 or above. We appealed the decision. My husband does not have diabetes, but a strong family history of diabetes and he has elevated insulin levels despite being on 2000mg of Glucophage XR everyday. He has no heart disease, but elevated blood lipids. He has high blood pressure and is on two medications to control it. He has no arthritis but has aching in his knees and ankles. He has morbidly obese family members. Our points in the appeal: he doesn't have the diseases now, but likely will develop them in a few years. The cost of treating those diseases would be significantly more than the cost of surgery for weight loss now. He is in good health for the most part and surgery carries less risk at this time. And, last - would the insurance company want someone to gain weight in order to have the surgery, thereby increasing the risks associated with being overweight? The denial was reversed and he is approved for surgery, plus the criteria was re-written to include WLS for people with a BMI between 35 - 40 with co-morbid conditions "and so forth"! Not only will my husband have surgery, but so will other people who need it and have a BMI less than 40.
   — koogy