Question:
Help!! need some positive thoughts or advise

BMI of 38-39, 205-208 lbs. but have a PCP that has is great and willing to help. I have sent a letter to insurance company( bc/bs ppo community blue) one by pcp and one by me. high blood pressure, joint pain, back problems, acid reflux. supervised diets , pills ect. anyone have experience with this insurance. trying to get pre-approval because bariatric treatment center will not see me unless i am 100 lbs. overweight or bmi over 40. must get pre-approval first....I am Hoping!!!    — Sandy L. (posted on February 28, 2003)

February 27, 2003
I know if you're not considered "morbidly obese" you have to have "co-morbidies" That would mean you're just obese with health problems.My insurance condiders "morbidly obese" medically necessary. My insurance is BC/BS of Alabama(live in MD)and they require two or three co-morbidies if you're not "morbidly obese". I don't know if this makes sense. I WOULD NOT try to gain weight. If the bariatric center won't see you for that reason, I would go somewhere else. I know some of the doctors in my area offer no interest loans for the surgery with a HEFTY down payment. But who knows, you may get approved. Good luck.
   — Debbie W.

February 27, 2003
I was also a BMI about the same as yours. I had a couple of surgeons that would not see me because I was not a 40 BMI. I was technically 100 pounds overweight though. I searched around until I found a surgeon that would talk to me. He actually started the BTC in Ypsilanti, MI and then sold it later on so I felt like he was very experienced. My insurance only requires 75 pounds overweight, so I was pretty frusterated by the doctors who would not even speak to me.
   — M O.

February 27, 2003
I have BC/BC PPO of IL. and had not problems BMI was 38 and I was approved witin 1 week. Good luck.
   — Lisa B.