Thanks for the replies. I was able to talk with my Surgeon's nurse and she mentioned a few things about overall goal and certain "allowances" known to have been given.
From what I am gathering there are 2 distinct factors on the having a "low" BMI. The first is that it appears doctors are willing to go on with the procedure regardless. The second, more fuzzy factor, is the insurance companies themselves. I have a call in to GEHA to get some clarification from them. I'm trying to pin that down now. I'm fortunate to be double covered by my wife's insurance and there criteria are nearly word for word to GEHA's which is firmly based on the NIH criteria.
Again...TANX!
Don