BMI of 37 but no morbidities = no coverage?

[CaliforniaJenn 0]

I have been doing tons of research on the lapband and I have great insurance that will cover 90% of the cost. However, my BMI is only 37 and I have no morbidities. I feel like I'm stuck because I'm not heavy enough and I'm too healthy for all of the extra weight I am carrying.

Has anyone out there been approved without morbidities???

[TerriF 9]

Having the same problem.....going with self pay. Not patient enough to fight them or gain more to get the BMI up.

[hopetolose 192]

Unfortunately, I was the same way. need to lose about 80 lbs. I am going with self pay as well. I have joint pain, but wasnt sure if that would fly or not and didnt want to do the waiting game any longer. I am 44 and need to get this going to start living a new life while I can enjoy it Good luck! its a bummer when they say your not heavy enough (how stupid is that)

[CaliforniaJenn 0]

How much is self-pay? I know it depends on the doctor but what's the general amount?

[hopetolose 192]

Mine is going to be 9600.00 in denver, colorado. Uggg not looking forward to paying it but I think it so going to be worth it.

[HeatherinCA 10]

I'm guessing not... I think you have to be well over that if you don't have co-morbides. My BMI was 46 when I was approved (I was 5'7, 298).. i have no co-morbidies. I tried a few years ago and they wouldn't approve me. I was about 250 then...

I guess they don't see the benefits if it's not going to "cure" something.

[TerriF 9]

Mine is going to be 9600.00 in denver, colorado. Uggg not looking forward to paying it but I think it so going to be worth it.

Mine is $11,999.00 w/ a years fills and checkups.

[Liza<3 1]

My insurance doesnt cover any weight lose surgeries so am self paying also. I'm here in conroe texas and the cost I have is $9,900.00 with a yr fills and check ups.

[DoingIt4Me! 2]

You all really need to call your insurance companys and double check. Just within the past couple of weeks, they are lowering BMI. A couple minutes on the phone beats paying out thousands when it's unnecessary. Good luck! My surgery is 9 days away. YAY!

[fly4kidsrt 1]

I have to say that my doctor here has been wonderful. Any back, knee or leg pain at all??? Get weighed with your coat on, heavy jewelry, change and keys in your pocket and if you loose an inch, most doctors don't actually take your height- your BMI is higher. Family history of obesity, diabetes, heart attack?? Many different things can be spun to have the insurance company on your side. Best of luck.

We also had a form that we filled out provided by the bariatric surgeon, that showed the different diet, exercise plans that you had tried over the past 7 years-I really think that was a sincher for the insurance. Would love to post it if I could figure out how. If anyone knows how to put an attachement in let me know. Or PM me with your email and I can send it to you directly.

[goldngrll 9]

I have been doing tons of research on the lapband and I have great insurance that will cover 90% of the cost. However, my BMI is only 37 and I have no morbidities. I feel like I'm stuck because I'm not heavy enough and I'm too healthy for all of the extra weight I am carrying.

Has anyone out there been approved without morbidities???

has your insurance denied you?? the fda recently lowered the bmi requirements to a bmi of 30. (which I think is a little crazy)....I've seen folks in my surgeons office that seriously only look like they need to lose 20 lbs.....

[CaliforniaJenn 0]

I've talked with my insurance and they won't cover me since I don't have hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Sadly, my parents are both overweight and have all of those things so I see my future in them unless I make this change in my life.

I'm looking at doing self-pay in Mexico since that seems to be an affordable option and is only 2 hours away for me.

[Lollicatt 36]

I agree with whoever above suggested to make a call. You never know. I put off attending my seminar for 6 mo s because I didn't think I'd get approved. Now I'm on my 6 mo diet and well on my way to getting approved. If you are in the houston area, I'd suggest checking out true results.