Nervous about getting insurance approval

[Shea 13]

Hello. I'm currently on the 6months PCP diet wait before insurance will approve the lap band. The issue that worries me is I'm healthy other than weighing 282 lbs. I dont have any health concerns. I'm worried that because I dont have any issues like high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, the insurance company wont approve me because they may not think it's a medical necessity. Have any of you have any problems with getting approved being healthy, just overweight?

[pinktulips 1]

Hi ~ I was approved by my insurance & didn't have any other health "issues" except a BMI of over 40. I had to do 6 month supervised diet, nutritional consult & mental health evaluation all before approval. Your insurance company or the insurance specialists at your surgeon's office will be able to tell you what all you need to do outside the 6 month diet. Good Luck!

[mjo3393 0]

Hi Shea, I was in the same boat. I am 5'4" and weigh 255, I always thought my ins company would refuse me because like you I have NO health problems. However, for my ins to cover the lap band I only needed to have a BMI over 40, and mine is 44. I went through the 6mn wait and just got approved last week, and my surgery is set for May 13th. So hang in there I think most ins are the same, as long as your BMI is over 40, you don't need to have a medical condition, just check call your ins to be on the safe side so you don't go through the 6mn, then find they will not cover it. Best of luck!

[Lollicatt 36]

Hello! Im in the same boat as you. I really thought I was going to walk out of my consultation really bummed. I have a bmi right at 40 but I'm pretty healthy. I, too, just started my 6 mo plan so I can be approved for insurance and that with my ekgs, psych evals,etc is all I need! I still don't know 100% if I'll be approved but I was real motivated to get everything I ned come october so I can be approved. Good luck to you!

[Beachy_Babs 5]

Let me join the boat with all of you! Other than having a BMI of 47, I am completely healthy on the inside. (hard to believe, I know). I just went in to see my family practice doctor and blood pressure, sugar level, iron..etc are all good and in the healthy range. Even my doctor was impressed with my internal health. However, due to the weight, my arthritis has gotten worse and it's so hard for me to do much of anything. I try to stay busy by doing laundry and cleaning, but I just HATE having this extra weight on me. I'm so excited for my band on Monday the 2nd. AHHH