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Low BMI sleeve and weight loss



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Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site but have been reading the comments here. My question/concern is this: I'm a low BMI pre op sleever (35) and I'm concerned about losing weight pre op.

My concern is that if I loose too much weight, my insurance (federal bcbs) won't cover me. Does anyone else going through this? It's looking more and more that Mexico might be the option for me!

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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You should talk to your insurance carriers and your surgeon's insurance coordinator about the requirements. Some insurance companies gauge your eligibility solely on your starting weight. Others have different requirements. Any reputable surgeon should have a knowledgeable insurance coordinator who can help you figure it out for sure. Good luck!

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site but have been reading the comments here. My question/concern is this: I'm a low BMI pre op sleever (35) and I'm concerned about losing weight pre op.

My concern is that if I loose too much weight, my insurance (federal bcbs) won't cover me. Does anyone else going through this? It's looking more and more that Mexico might be the option for me!

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm going through that too. I am a BMI 35 but have multiple co- morbidity issues. It took me an hour on the phone with my insurer to just get a person to talk to me about how they make decisions, But it was worth the effort. United Healthcare apparently looks at multiple factors when making the decision. If my weight fluctuates up and down, it will not disqualify me. I've done 2 of 6 consults, psych eval, EKG, DVT, ultrasound, stress test, seminar, & nutrition counseling. Fingers crossed for you and me both! I weigh myself before appts and drink a ton of Water right before the office weigh in.

Sent from my GT-N8013 using the BariatricPal App

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site but have been reading the comments here. My question/concern is this: I'm a low BMI pre op sleever (35) and I'm concerned about losing weight pre op.

My concern is that if I loose too much weight, my insurance (federal bcbs) won't cover me. Does anyone else going through this? It's looking more and more that Mexico might be the option for me!

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Do you have any health issues related to your weight?

For insurance purposes it's usually BMI 30-39 WITH other health problems related to your weight.

For BMI 40 and over you don't have to have other health issues.

This is just generally speaking, your insurance may pay with your BMI and no other issues, but you need to ask.

Good luck!

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I have original Medicare. My insurance coordinator told me not to drop below 35 bmi or I would be disqualified for surgery. I successfully maintained at 36 bmi for 2.5 months knowing that I had spent the last year jumping through hoops and I was not going to do anything to cause a denial. Good luck.

Sent from my SM-T530NU using the BariatricPal App

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I had the same issue... my doctor was afraid I'd lose too much on the pre-op diet so instead of 1100 calories a day they told me to do 1300 calories a day because the purpose of the diet is to shrink my luver, not lower my weight drastically. I still lost 10 pounds, but I'm still able to have the surgery in a few days :-)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

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