Yes, it will affect the decision to get approve. I had to make sure that my BMI was high enough so that the insurance company would cover it. The nurse told me that I needed to make sure that I stayed at the right BMI. Blue Cross Blue Shield is really particular about that. It does not matter after, they get all the information in. If you decided to lose after the consultation and change your eating habits. I tell you to go for it, but not before the consultation.