Anyone approved with a BMI under 40?

[GinaSq 11]

Hi,

I have Cigna insurance, and my last weight loss appointment is next week. I have a BMI of 36.5. Cormorbidities of hyperlipemia, high cholesterol, and a degenerating hip. My primary care doc is actually the one who first suggested the sleeve to control my weight because of my hip. My mom is diabetic, and I am pre-diabetic.

I'm really worried that I've junped through all these hoops and insurance will say no because my BMI isn't 40. Can anyone give me some encouragement?

My BMI was 35+. Unfortuantely Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana for state employees will not pay for any weight loss surgeries regardless of medical need so I'm having to self pay. I have osteonecrosis in several joints -- have already had 2 total hip replacements when I was 48 and 48. Having the surgery to try to save my joints and hip replacements. Also have problems with heart, blood pressure, high cholesterol and elevated liver enzymes. Hope your insurance comes through for you. I'm completely disgusted with my insurance. But, having the surgery in two days. Good luck!

[Midemali 20]

I'm in Australia and its a little different here. I attended one appointment in September 2014, had a BMI of 30.4 and was booked in for VSG surgery one month later. I did not have any other medical issues of note. I've not had any problems with my recovery and have lost 20 kilograms so far. I now have a BMI of 23.6. I feel extremely lucky especially when I read all of the issues and costs (hoops you have to jump through in America). I wish you all luck with your surgeries wherever you are in the world. x

[3bzmom 96]

I called Cigna today and was told I'm under review, so fingers crossed!!

[3bzmom 96]

Yesterday, Cigna said they had the information from my doctor and I was under review. Today they say they've never received anything. SO FRUSTRATING! So I left a message with my surgeon's office. (The insurance gal never answers her phone. Also frustrating). I know I'm not their only patient, but it has now been a week since my doc sent everything to my surgeon.

[perk4756 259]

Hope you get answer soon. Very frustrating considering how long it takes to get to this stage. Fingers crossed

[perk4756 259]

Midemali, crazy question. How much in pounds do you weigh? Sounds like you are doing awesome by your bmi. You were very lucky living there and not having to wait the times we have to in the U.S. my insurance is like most here, 6 months. Very frustrating for sure. My mother got hers done immediately too due to a life threatening reason. Almost unheard of here. But the reason for her gastric bypass(hers) was a need for extra skin on her stomach because of an extremely large hernia. She had to go to another state too to have done because of her situation too. With her not going through the classes and nutritionist, she was very unaware of a lot. She was malnourished, and sick almost every meal due to not understanding the guidelines. But honestly, 3 months in most cases are all that should be the wait. That is plenty of time to learn the exercises, new ways of eating and drinking and all the other things involved.

[Midemali 20]

Hi perk4756, I currently weigh 134 pounds ????

[3bzmom 96]

The surgeon's office finally called back on Wednesday. (A week since my primary care doc submitted the last items to them). Surgeon's office said they never received doc's notes from the April and May visits. Grrr...that's why I called and asked if they had everything! I called Cigna today, and they still haven't received anything from my surgeon.

I know in the scheme of things, this is not important, but it sure is frustrating. I hear how quickly everyone's offices are getting approvals, and I'm a little jealous! Even after I get approval, I can't schedule surgery myself. We have a secondary insurance called Surgery Plus that has to do that, so I'm sure that will be another hoop to jump through.

[Kushka 36]

Good luck to you, 3bzmom! How is your mother doing now?

[perk4756 259]

I'm so sure you are frustrated. It's frustrating enough just getting to the point your at. Seems like the office help is a little laxed in their movement. Thoughts with you to get a date soon

[3bzmom 96]

Thank you. My mom is okay, but she's been having a hard time managing her diabetes. She also had an emergency appendectomy last night, so maybe that was part of her recent blood sugar issues? Blood sugar is affected by all sorts of stuff!

[perk4756 259]

Hi perk4756, absolI currently weigh 134 pounds ????

absolutely awesome!

[Liz5012 47]

The process can be so frustrating!

[Jill1965 1]

My BMI was 38.8 but I have high blood pressure. Without the hbp my BMI would have to be 40 or above to be approved.

[3bzmom 96]

My insurance finally confirmed they received the pre-auth information from my surgeon TODAY! So now they have 5 business days to review. I certainly hope I'm approved- it feels like the process is draaaaagggggging.