dwrd73

I also had to gain weight to meet the BMI requirement, but you have some time and there are some tricks. First of all your BMI is based on your weight and height. Generally you will have to take off your shoes but be careful when you get measured. Most people straighted themselves up to be the tallest they can, don't do that because even just half and inch can make a difference. Wear jeans instead of shorts b/c they are heavier. Wear a shirt that goes over your pockets so you keys, cell phone, or anything else in your pockets are not noticeable. Just before your appointment eat a meal and drink as much as you can. I even continued to drink from the doctor's Water fountain as I sat in the waiting room. I know eating up sounds strange and many will discourage it and I would too if a person has to gain 10 plus pounds but when you are talking only a few pounds, what's the big deal. In the past every time I diet I eventually gain it all back plus some more. When I'm on a diet I never fill full. I hate dealing with always feeling hungry. The lap band will help me fill full sooner and after only a small amount of food. So gaining a few pounds so my insurance will pay for it was completely worth it, plus I saved over 16,000. My wallet is also glad. And now after I enjoyed all my favorite foods I'm prepared to start the two week liquid diet. In a strange way I feel like I had the opportunity to say good-bye to my old life style. Plus, remember the doctor wants to give you the surgery, he/she wants to help you. It is the insurance companies that have created these BMI requirements.

You need to know what your insurance requires when it comes to BMI before you try and get it approved. Because if you do not have the required BMI you will most likely not be approved. The good news is most insurance companies what to see a BMI of 40 with or with out comorbs. or a BMI of at least 35 with one or two comorbs. I doubt back pain will count as a comorb. If your insurance is similar to what I just mentioned then go out there and enjoy some of your favorite foods for the last time, wear some heavier clothes and then get weighed in with a BMI of at least 40. Also, don't stand up as straight as you can when you get measured. You will be amazed at how much your BMI changes by just half and inch. I was in the same situation. When I submitted my paperwork my BMI was 34.8 and I have hypertension. The one nurse canceled my appointment because I did not have the required 35 BMI and two comorbs. However, my insurance only needs one comorb. I did everything I mentioned above, plus I ate a meal and drank a bunch of Water just before my appointment. I was several pounds heavier and had a BMI of 35.6. I was the first time in my life I was glad I gained weight.:cool: I don't feel bad about eating up for the lap band b/c once I'm approved (I should hear any day now) I will save thousands of dollars. Plus when I went to my first informational meeting the doctor presenting really did not agree with the insurance companies BMI requirements but understood that they needed some sort of system so they wouldn't have to pay for everyone. He also mentioned that they are seeing great results on patients with low BMI's between 30 - 35.

Someone else started a similar thread called "Cheating." It's in pre-op diet room. Here is a link. Hope this helps. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/pre-operation-lap-band-surgery-questions-answers/68188-cheating.html

I'm a high school teacher.