Approved with no comorbidities?

[rowekins 1]

My BMI when I started this process was 48, I've lost some weight since then. I have no comorbidities. As I'm waiting for insurance approval, I'm now wondering how much that fact will hurt my chances of getting the band. I have United Healthcare. Any thoughts?

[MarcyLoo 12]

It's hard to say. Recommended is a BMI >40 without comorbidities but many insurances still want one. Have you had a sleep study? If not, you may want to go ahead and schedule one in hopes of a sleep apnea diagnosis...or you can wait for an insurance answer...

Good luck!!!

[Wheetsin 714]

I just posted new qualifying guidelines from the FDA. They still include 1 obesity-related comorbidity for a BMI of 30 - 35.

I was banded under UHC with no comorbidites, but with a very high BMI.

How far >40 are you?

Have you asked UHC what their requirements are?

[rowekins 1]

My BMI was 48, now probably still 46 or so

[ErinMarie 186]

My BMI is 46 and I have no comorbities and I was approved with no issues (thankfully). I have Tricare RS. I made sure before I submitted to insurance that I got blood work, lady exam, and doctor recommendation before hand.

Good luck!

[rowekins 1]

UHC told me that I had to have a BMI over 40 if I didn't have any comorbidities. I've met all other requirements, I'm just very nervous because I know the decision is theirs.

[Russian_BANDit_inNY 4]

I don't have your insurance. Not sure if what I did help.

I asked my insurance for the document that lists all requirements I have to meet in order to be approved.

It was a 25page doc - they gave me link to. Long article on what and why and how to live so I don't to not have to have the surgery and and half a page of what I have to have in order to be approved.

That half a page had all you can exspect - BMI over 40 if no comorbities; psych eval; facility meeting some defined standards with the link to approved facilities, etc.... It also had a link to the form that doctor had to fill out. My insurance wanted THAT form in THAT format and no other format.

Got approval in 30 min after rthey had all docs.