Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Approval with low bmi and no comorbidities?



Recommended Posts

Anyone get approved with a 35 bmi and no severe comobibtities?

I have anthem bcbs ohio, in my 4th month of supervised diet... (so nervous and praying I'm not waiting my time )

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Why don't you go to a free WL Seminar, sign up, and they will check with your insurance and do all the legwork.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

BCBS is a different company in each state but I can tell you in Texas you would not be approved. Anything under BMI 40 requires co-morbidities.

Why would they even let you start the supervised diet without looking into requirements for approval? My very first visit with my bariatric team I was given a check sheet listing exactly what BCBSTX needs for approval for WLS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSOK 35 bmi with mild sleep apnea but they wouldn't have approved me without that one Comorbidity. I didn't know I had it until I did a sleep study. You should call your insurance & see what their stips are. It was worth it to me to get sleep study

Sent from my VS990 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBS as my medical provider in CA. You have to have a comorbidity and a BMI of 35 or BMI 40 or above with no comorbidities.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSOK 35 bmi with mild sleep apnea but they wouldn't have approved me without that one Comorbidity. I didn't know I had it until I did a sleep study. You should call your insurance & see what their stips are. It was worth it to me to get sleep study

Sent from my VS990 using the BariatricPal App

I did a sleep study and was told I do not have sleep apnea :( . Only thing I can do now is get my cholesterol checked I guess and pray it's high enough ... I looked online for a listed of Anthems less common comorbidities that are possibly covered. Arthritis, back pain, pulling of blood in the lower extremities are a few... I have all 3 of those. Just not sure that will be approved.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

High blood pressure? That worked with my anthem plan. I was borderline...40 exactly so I researched in case they didn't go by first visit weight.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSOK 35 bmi with mild sleep apnea but they wouldn't have approved me without that one Comorbidity. I didn't know I had it until I did a sleep study. You should call your insurance & see what their stips are. It was worth it to me to get sleep study

Sent from my VS990 using the BariatricPal App

I did a sleep study and was told I do not have sleep apnea :( . Only thing I can do now is get my cholesterol checked I guess and pray it's high enough ... I looked online for a listed of Anthems less common comorbidities that are possibly covered. Arthritis, back pain, pulling of blood in the lower extremities are a few... I have all 3 of those. Just not sure that will be approved.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I know it sounds crazy to wish high cholesterol but I know exactly how you feel. I was praying for sleep apnea before I was diagnosed. I know that they have to put a number on this for insurance purposes but it's so frustrating that we are trying to do something about this before it gets totally out of control and we have all the comorbidities. I wish you luck in your journey!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Other comorbidities that can be considered are fatty liver, gallbladder issues, repeated bronchitis, osteoartritis, and GERD.

I have suggested this to others (it worked for me)...

Write a letter describing your medical issues, how the weight effects your life, a synopsis of weight loss attempts, family history of diseases (specifically obesity related diseases).

Showing that weight effects your life negatively, with concrete examples, might push thru your approval

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh yay , good idea! Will you proof read it once I'm done ???? I did have gallbladder issues until I had it taken out 2 years ago.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Sure. I can send you mine if you are struggling. I wrote the one for my husband as well, but we havent geard back from the ins.

If your pcp is open to wls, you can try to get them to write a recomendation too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Awesome thank you !! My email address is tabs1257@gmail.com

I really appreciate it.

I'm have spent so much money on different tests. My cholesterol levels are good and no sleep apnea. I'm just so worried because I don't have a severe comobibtity.

I have arthritis, degenerative disc disease ( had surgery to fuse my c5-c6-c7 in my neck ) severe Migraines due to that, dvt and varicose veins that requires vein stripping surgery....again ( Dr wrote in a recent statement that it is due to weight gain.) I had gallbladder surgery too.

My bmi is only 36

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know , your exactly right. Thank you so much ! Have your been approved ?

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I was approved back in April but that surgeon was out of network w/ insurance. So I changed surgeons to find one that was in my insurance network. So went to a different surgeon in-network in May. it took them forever to submit and I found out in August that it was declined because he didn't do the surgery in a Blue Distinction Center so I went to a new surgeon a couple of weeks ago. She only made me do one appointment w/ her nutritionist since I had done everything else & been through 2 other programs. I went to the appointment this past Monday. They just submitted to insurance this week. I verified w/ the insurance company that they received everything from the Dr on 9/28. Now just waiting for their approval....again....LOL. I'm sure it will be approved but I'm still so nervous & will feel less anxious when I know it has been done for sure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×