Cigna and 40 BMI

MirandaK · January 8, 2008

Hi I am knew here and have a question. Yesterday I went in for my first visit. I am at 41.1 BMI and if I was to even lose 7 pound in the 6 month weight loss program that Cigna requires I would fall below 40. When I first made the appoitment the lady told me we always go by the first weight in but yesterday the nurse said I should stay above 40 to make sure that Cigna would not use it to deny the surgury. So my question is how important is it to say above 40. I really want to get started eating right before the surgury. I have already cut out coke in the last month and don't ever miss them. I want to start eating better but I am afraid to lose over 7 lbs. What are your thoughts?

Joaquin · January 8, 2008

I had the same dilemna. I had to make sure that I did not loose a lot of weight. Cigna will look at the starting and ending weight and you really want to make sure that your ending is lower than your starting. When my paperwork was fianlly submitted by BMI was 40.1 and I was approved. I pretty much just ate what I wanted but with each visit and I make sure to loose at least one pound.

TX_IT_Chick · January 9, 2008

I am of dissenting opinion. Keep your current weight. I think if you make sure you keep your BMI ABOVE 40 you'll have a better time being approved. If you can lose weight and still have a 40 BMI, go for it. I didn't lose much weight at all during my 6 month "diet"; had I gained and my BMI had become 40+, I think I would have been approved.

It's a screwy system when you have to gain weight to have an operation to lose weight. Don't you love insurance??

I really do wish the best for you!!!

Shandra

MirandaK · January 9, 2008

I am really going to try to stay adove 40. I have been at the same weight for the last year with no real ups or down so it should be easy. I have cut out coke so I may have to try to stay above 40 because I am only 7 lbs above the 40 mark. Thanks both of you who responed.

Joaquin · January 9, 2008

Just make sure that when your paperwork is submitted your bmi is above 40. I barely made it but I was approved with a 40.1.

mikki21 · February 7, 2008

With CIGNA is it absolutely required that you have a BMI of 40+?? I have a BMI of 35.0. Has anybody gotten approved by CIGNA with a BMI lower than 40? I have been through all of the steps and my coordinator seems optimistic. Now I am really scared!!!

Ellisa · February 8, 2008

One thing to keep in mind is that muscle weighs more than fat. So a good exercise program (one where you build muscle) could help you to keep the BMI up while you eat more healthfully.

Joaquin · February 10, 2008

With CIGNA is it absolutely required that you have a BMI of 40+?? I have a BMI of 35.0. Has anybody gotten approved by CIGNA with a BMI lower than 40? I have been through all of the steps and my coordinator seems optimistic. Now I am really scared!!!

Cigna will appove at 35 BMI if you have commorbities. I did not have any commorbities so I had to make sure that I stayed about 40. I very happy to say that I am 3 weeks post op and my BMI is now 36.2!!!

dyingtobeskinny · February 11, 2008

Well i am getting very scared now. for some stupid reason i thought if you had a bmi over 40 with 2 or more co-morbib you wouldnt have to do the 6 month diet.

Joaquin · February 13, 2008

You can not get away without doing the six month diet. It is a requirement no matter what your BMI is. Trust me, it was not that bad.

tamarabennett · October 18, 2008

i have cigna and according to their guidelines since i am type 2 diabetic i need to have a bmi for at leat 24 months prior, last year during my 6 months of supervised weight loss i got down to a bmi of 33.8 once, has anyone had this happen and does this mean there is no way i will be approved, i need help