Pre-Insurance Approval Weight Loss Question

[MNovalis 93]

Hey all! I just got back from my 5th out of 6 insurance required doctor appointments before approval for my surgery. I have pretty much stayed the same on my weight, going back and forth within the same 4-5 lbs weight loss and gain. But this month I lost 8 lbs. Normally, I would be ecstatic about losing 8lbs, lol! But I am worried about my insurance turning me down for being able to lose 8 lbs in a month. My BMI is still above acceptable range (pretty high) and I do still have other factors like high blood pressure, etc. Should I try to gain that 8 lbs back, or am I still good? By the way, I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance.

[Valentina 2,642]

Hello,

I would ask your bariatric team. They have the most experience with your particular ins. co..

I never had an exact amount to lose. At the end of 4 months, I just had to be lighter than I was when I started.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

[VSGMEPLZ26 90]

Hey all! I just got back from my 5th out of 6 insurance required doctor appointments before approval for my surgery. I have pretty much stayed the same on my weight, going back and forth within the same 4-5 lbs weight loss and gain. But this month I lost 8 lbs. Normally, I would be ecstatic about losing 8lbs, lol! But I am worried about my insurance turning me down for being able to lose 8 lbs in a month. My BMI is still above acceptable range (pretty high) and I do still have other factors like high blood pressure, etc. Should I try to gain that 8 lbs back, or am I still good? By the way, I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama Insurance.

Good afternoon,

Usually as long as your bmi doesn't lower, the insurance company wants to see that loss of weight. Losing weight shows that you are trying. As the gentlemen stated above, you still may want to speak to your bariatric team or nurse just to make sure.

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[justhere4theshow 462]

I was terrified of the same thing. I have BCBS of NC, so my requirements may not match yours. I was told by my bariatric physician to lose 17 pounds, which was something like 5% of my total weight. They go more by your pre-op weight, but they do want to see that you can make lifestyle changes in order to succeed with the surgery. ALWAYS go with what your program tells you, but some insurance providers make you start over if you gain weight during your pre-op stage! I was so nervous about it all, but I had a great experience with BCBS; I hope yours is smooth like mine was. Best wishes to you! You're almost there!

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@MNovalis I don't think this will effect your approval. Don't gain anything - that could jeopardize you even more.

[MNovalis 93]

I actually spoke with the insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office this afternoon and she said that as long as my BMI doesn't go below 35, I'm good! Yay! Thank you all for your input.

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