Which weight do they use for approval?

CandyE · September 12, 2007

My insurance says you must have a BMI of 40 or greater. I fluctuate around 39.7-39.9. I have my consult Monday. So I've been eating alot just to make sure I'm at least a 40. Is this the weight they use for approval? I actually feel terrible eating so much!!

Wendell Edwards · September 12, 2007

My insurance says you must have a BMI of 40 or greater. I fluctuate around 39.7-39.9. I have my consult Monday. So I've been eating alot just to make sure I'm at least a 40. Is this the weight they use for approval? I actually feel terrible eating so much!!

I know that for me it was the weight from my GP's office when he gave me the referral.

Personally, I would do whatever I had to in order to have this life-saving surgery.

I would eat a lot of ham, drink fluids, wear lead underwear....

Whatever it takes!

CandyE · September 12, 2007

Lead underwear...hmmm...never thought of that! I don't think I have to have a referal. Thanks!

candy

colesd1 · September 12, 2007

CandyE,

My health insurance required documentation of a 2 year weight history in order to be approved. I'm not sure if your insurance will go by what weight you are when you walk into the doctors office or if they will look at your past weight history. But I think if you have other health issues due to the weight, they will take that into consideration.

Good luck

juliegeraci · September 12, 2007

I would definitely eat until your BMI is 40%. You will have plenty of time to lose the weight. Good luck.

2008er · September 13, 2007

This concerns me, too. My BMI is 36-37, but I've been trying to practice new eating habits and dropped some so now I'm barely hanging on to the 36. I'm very concerned that I'll lose too much and drop below 35 and have no chance in h*ll of being approved (I'm worried enough about being under 40, but I *think* I have enough co-morbidities to gain approval in spite of that).

It sounds absolutely insane to want to maintain or gain weight when I'm trying so hard (and will to be implanted!!) to get to a healthy weight, but I'm with you - I'll do what it takes. I'm hoping they do use my referral weight (which was my high one), but right now I just want to hold steady til after approval.

(I'll dress heavy, too - and HAM- great suggestion!!!! I'm a sponge and can fluctuate 5-7 lbs with Water weight. Never thought that would be a *good* thing! ha!) :car:

~kat

Mary-2b150 · September 13, 2007

Lead underwear - that''s funny!

I would drink as much Water right before your visit as you can!

vfran · September 13, 2007

BCBS denied me this week because my BMI wasn't 40. I was 39.8 by my doctors records. They said I could appeal and have my doctor write them another letter.) On Tuesday I called my doctor's office and told them what BCBS said, they said they would have to wait on the letter. I asked, if I could get a recheck. Now this whole waiting period I've been trying to start eating like I've already had the surgery so I've lost a few pounds I wore my heavy clothes and I was still below 40. I asked them what they had my height down as. I'm alway been told I was 5 ft 2.5 ins. They had me down as 5 ft 3.5 ins. They re-measured by height 2 times to be sure and guess what I am 5 ft 2.5 ins. so this made my BMI 40.8 so back to BCBS we must go. I do so want them to say YES NOW I want the surgery tomorrow.