amduc 20 Posted August 30, 2013 I am not sure if that is the case with everyone. My best friend was denied because she had one month below the required BMI. So be be careful. She had gone through a lot to get approved since then. Ended up having to redo her 6 month diet. And all pre op testing. Do you happen to know which insurance company she used? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuNMooNStaRS816 423 Posted August 30, 2013 Do you happen to know which insurance company she used? Thanks UHC united healthcare with optimum bariatric resources. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amduc 20 Posted August 30, 2013 UHC united healthcare with optimum bariatric resources. Thank you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeanMeanFightinMachine 38 Posted September 10, 2013 My orthopedic doc said he would write a recommendation for surgery due to patella femoral something or other, arthritis, and high risk for bilateral knee replacement. You'd think that would be enough but I'm still skeptical about insurance approval... Feeling anxious. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amduc 20 Posted November 19, 2013 Just got approved! Yahoo! During my 6 months of classes I had 2 weigh ins below 40. No comorbidities. Bcbs insurance (Highmark) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
missmee 32 Posted November 20, 2013 Had my last weigh in today so just waiting for it to be submitted to insurance. Hopefully early dec surgery date **fingers crossed** Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cookiesgotthis 50 Posted February 10, 2014 At my pre-op the Nurse that worked for the hospital said some insurance will deny your surgery at the date of surgery if you don't meet the above 35 bmi and the insurance person at my Dr office told me the max I could lose to be ok Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsurles 3 Posted February 23, 2014 I am in California and have medical/Medicare. My first bmi was 39.7. with NO co morbidities. I was told then not to loose weight. I had to be 40bmi or higher. that's where I have been for the last six months. Now waiting insurance approval, but the pa I see said I may not be approved because of that first bmi. This insurance thing is so frustrating. with medical there is no person you can talk to in order to get details. Just someone setting in front of a computer screen, say your approved or not. No details. also our doc's office doesn't pre-set a surgery date, just floating along waiting, waiting...... I am rambling, I would not loose any weight. Also my sister just had her surgery the first of Feb. She starting trying to loose weight in Jan. the nurse told her NO, NO. that if her bmi was under 40 at her pre-op appointment, that insurance would turn her down. One good thing is at our dr.s office, we will not have any pre-op diet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovely Lady 46 Posted March 5, 2014 My BMI is now below 40. I am worried I will be denied surgery because of my weight loss. I have asthma, arthritis, and 2 knee replacements. Is that enough comorbidities to get approved? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovely Lady 46 Posted March 5, 2014 I was told that since I do have some comorbidities, that I have nothing to worry about so long as my BMI doesnt go under 35. 1 mentalistfan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cookiesgotthis 50 Posted March 6, 2014 <p>I was told that since I do have some comorbidities, that I have nothing to worry about so long as my BMI doesnt go under 35. </p> I stressed so much on this, so they didn't have me do a two week diet, at the hospital the nurse was saying she has sent people home day of surgery for being under. When I got there just to be on the safe side I left my shoes and jacket on went weighed. So much relief when I weighed in ok my bmi was 37 with co-morbidity. But I know my insurance only looked at the co-morbidities as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or diabetes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrztj 16 Posted March 9, 2014 At my consultation appt my BMI was 40.05. Now I have to do a 6 month diet to get approved. My question is will I get denied if my BMI drops below 40 prior to surgery?? My coordinator assures me that the starting weight is the only one that matters but I'm not sold. I don't have any comorbidities and my insurance is BCBS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrztj 16 Posted March 9, 2014 I work for a bariatric center. I am the insurance specialist. We use your bmi from your initial appointment 1 mentalistfan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdillon 355 Posted March 9, 2014 Me too. I was told to not lose any either. But does that show lack of commitment? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdillon 355 Posted March 9, 2014 I work for a bariatric center. I am the insurance specialist. We use your bmi from your initial appointment [ATTACH]42282[/ATTACH] OK so based on what number 12 says if a year from surgery I lose say 80lbs. And I suffer from skin problems such as rashes and infections and document it the insurance will cover skin removal? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites