Cheating the consultation scale...

[kitten22996 36]

I was approved for surgery with only a BMI of 35 because I have PCOS. Do you have any comorbidities? Diabetes? sleep apnea? etc. If so, you can qualify with a BMI under 40. Otherwise, if you are an otherwise "healthy" chunky person, 40 is the major number!

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

[msjoy83 42]

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

Yea that would be me also healthy aside from the thyroids...which is not a comobidity

[msjoy83 42]

Just an update went to my consultation and actually gained the 3 extra lbs I wanted to be a point over my borderline bmi...probably cuz of the 3 beenie bag weights in my bra and leaving my Uggs on lol. But hey 3 lbs is nothing when you're trying to lose at least 80lbs.

[rensterness 375]

I've read time and time again how some of us have had to resort to gaining an extra 5-10lbs in order to reach our bmi for insurance requirements. Maybe one day insurance companies will open their eyes and see just how much changes need to be made to their policy for wls approval...but until then let's share our ways of cheating the consultation scale. My bmi is directly borderline, my consultation is March 13th. So yes I may need a way to grab an extra 3-5lbs by then....

My doctors does not do a gown. Put rolls of quarters in your pocket and if gown is required place the rolls of quarters underneath your breast in a bra. There's my two cents lol

[karensdRN 13]

I was actually told ti make pockets heavy. Bmi of 37 with mild sleep apnea. I got weighed once a month for six months. Gained a few myself but by the last weigh in had 2 two pound weights in my jacket pocket. Was approved. Surgery on April 4th!

[karensdRN 13]

They also sell weighted vests on Amazon that zip up under clothes!

[SnohoGal98296 371]

I am so on board for the "why do our insurance companies not get it?" question, driving the need for people to gain weight for insurance acceptance!

Being in the middle of the scale, the "don't gain any weight or your surgery will have to be in a hospital" area, I just wish all health insurance covered the surgery especially since it is acknowledged that this procedure saves the insurance companies money in the long run.

Hopefully they catch on soon!

[shaylab0 0]

Thank you all for these posts very helpful but I have a question....I see other people posting on threads that insurance companies want your past weights from as far back as 5 years?! is this true? Do any of you know if insurance companies want past weight records?? If so, I am worried I wont qualify, my BMI is just over 43 now but in the past it has been a little lower because I have lost weight on my own then gained, lost and gained...you get it....help

[Seela 1,187]

Thank you all for these posts very helpful but I have a question....I see other people posting on threads that insurance companies want your past weights from as far back as 5 years?! is this true? Do any of you know if insurance companies want past weight records?? If so, I am worried I wont qualify, my BMI is just over 43 now but in the past it has been a little lower because I have lost weight on my own then gained, lost and gained...you get it....help

Me too. My insurance wanted a history of weight loss attempts but I don't think they actually looked into it. For me I put weight watchers, lost 40 lbs, gained it back. HerbalLife, lost 43lbs, gained it back, Jenny Craig, lost 10 measly lbs, gained back 15 lbs... seemed to be all they needed

[leimua 7]

I was approved for surgery with only a BMI of 35 because I have PCOS. Do you have any comorbidities? Diabetes? sleep apnea? etc. If so, you can qualify with a BMI under 40. Otherwise, if you are an otherwise "healthy" chunky person, 40 is the major number!

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

. This is me!! My BMI right now is 39. I've been eating to much to gain about 5 lbs to ensure my 49 BMI. I'm actually getting disgusted lol and everyday I weigh my self I'm not gaining a single pound!!! Two weeks of eating real crap and nothing. Lol such a conspiracy!! When I want to lose I gain, when I actually want to gain to stay even. What the heck lol

[leimua 7]

I was approved for surgery with only a BMI of 35 because I have PCOS. Do you have any comorbidities? Diabetes? sleep apnea? etc. If so, you can qualify with a BMI under 40. Otherwise, if you are an otherwise "healthy" chunky person, 40 is the major number!

I'm one of those healthy fat people. Awesome blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar so I have to make sure I'm at least 40. That's why it's horrible, but I'm trying to gain a little extra just encase.

. This is me!! My BMI right now is 39. I've been eating to much to gain about 5 lbs to ensure my 49 BMI. I'm actually getting disgusted lol and everyday I weigh my self I'm not gaining a single pound!!! Two weeks of eating real crap and nothing. Lol such a conspiracy!! When I want to lose I gain, when I actually want to gain to stay even. What the heck lol

. 40 not 49!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

@@shaylab0 insurance companies and plans really vary in their requirements. My insurance company required a one year history on BMI, not five years. You should have a written booklet (or .pdf) with "Member Benefits" or something like that as a title, and it should spell out all the requirements for bariatric surgery under your specific plan. If it doesn't, get in touch with your insurance company and request a copy of the requirements for your specific plan in writing.

[leimua 7]

I actually had some good news. I called my surgeons office and the nurse said if I reach the 40 BMI they can use that for the packet to send to insurance. I was at 38.96 at consult. A 4 lb gain puts me at 40. I'm glad. I was thinking I would have to gain the 4lbs and start at another office. Sucks you gotta gain to make a point and a half difference on a BMI to qualify. Insurance games : /

[CrazyJaney 775]

You could always take your lead from a drugs mule... Strap flat packets filled with lead filings around your middle with an ace bandage. Flat, form fitting, effective. Or, depending on your <coughs> crevices, you could always wrap a load of lead filings into a couple of condoms and shove it where the sun doesn't shine?! LOL and I am seriously joking about that!

I almost spit my Protein Drink out!! I love your posts Madame! Makes me wonder what EXACTLY you do for a living!

[mizzylou 0]

Kitten22996 I have pcos is that considered a comorbidity?!

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