I think this a good question because i think about it often with regards to insurance approval. I was told at one of my band meetings that insurance companys don't take into account at the individual weight history amongst their clients.
All that matters is the results of the 6 month diet/excersize pre-op hoop jumping they make you go through. That got me to ring the "that's not fair" button! Simply because I've been obese all my life since I was 2yrs old! Diets, excersize, pills, atkins, yadda yada yo-yo! I've been 200lbs+ since 12yrs old and haven't been under that since!
Now, I'm kinda competeing for approval from insurance with people who, let's say, for the most part of their lives have been thin/healthy weights but now has had kids and have no time to workout or eat right etc... and let thmselves go.
I believe their "hoop jumping" for approval from insurance would be easier since "now"
they're putting their bodies to work and it will "on the record" prove to insurance that they're serious about getting surgery. Meanwhile, someone like me is and HAS been putting in the effort and no real change happens, as per usual, thus showing mr.insurance that i'm NOT serious enough to make the changes needed for the surgery!
I mean, is that how it works on their part?!?!
If so, that not right.
SO, height/weight/bmi aside, I think there should be some sort of consideration between persons of genetic obesity and lifestyle obesity when insurance approval is involved.
My apologies, I think I may have gone off topic.
Oh my darn rants!
peace