If You Had To Gain Weight to Get Lap-Band Covered By Insurance...?

[footballmom104 0]

I'm was measured right at 40 on the BMI, but they measured me a 5'2" and I swear I'm 5'3" and have been since sixth grade ... I think they might have done that on purpose to bump up my BMI. Anyway, I'm diabetic so that's my saving grace surgery-wise -

[Boo Boo Kitty 3]

I would do it, if you were guaranteed on surgery! It is the best thing I ever did hands down! I was huge, so I had no problem getting it...lol....

GOOD LUCK!!!!

[4jin 0]

I would do it, if you were guaranteed on surgery! It is the best thing I ever did hands down! I was huge, so I had no problem getting it...lol....

GOOD LUCK!!!!

WOW!!!

You are definitely a cover story! You look beautiful!

Congratulations on all your hard work!

[Pearlywinkle 0]

Hello!

This is my first post... But I had this same issue at my first appointment and feel I should share how I avoided ankle weights and heavy clothing.

It is much harder to get approved for a lap band if you have already been denied. So, make a strong case before your Doctor submits your claim. Morbid Obesity has many co morbidity's, see an endocrynologist and have your blood levels checked, are you prediabetic? Have him or her write a letter in support of your decision for LB surgery.

My BMI was 38 and there was no way I was going to attempt to gain weight, as I've worked so hard to get here in the first place. Instead, I suggest going for a sleep study and waiting for the results. Chances are you may have a minor case of sleep apnea.

I myself only had one apnea which does not qualify me for a cpap (continous positive airway pressure device) but my Pulmonologist stated in the sleep study, "with weight loss the patient will no longer have apnea's," and that was exactly the extra push my BC policy needed to approve my surgery. 40 days until my surgery! Woohoo!!!!

Anyway, If you are reading this and thinking, well I've already been denied. Go for the study then resubmit your claim.

Sorry, I just work with claims all day long... but I hope this helps. Just don't gain weight... that's not what we're all here for. :-) All else fails go back to ankle weights.

[gingerbug 3]

I had McD's on mym way to the appointment with a big coke. I had three shirts on, jeans, a heavy leather belt, socks, tennis shoes. I had my husbands diving weights in my pockets (they are about the size of a deck of cards). I even wore my husbands heavy metal watch. I ate like mad the two weeks before my appointment since I already knew I had to 'weight heavy'. The person I talked to at the doc office suggested I 'weight heavy'. I also told them I was an inch shorter than what I was and they never checked. I was able to leave my shoes on when I weighted.

[coltonwade 27]

I think if 5 lbs is going to keep you from loosing 100 then gain 5lbs .

That is what this is all about . HEALTH . Gaining a few more pds to save the rest of your life to me is totally worth it .

Yes there are tricks to it. But Some docs are more by the book than others.

So you have to do what you have to do .

Mindy

[aprilbene 0]

If you drink a lot of Water before you get on the scale you'll "gain".

[txaberry 0]

My insurance required proof that my BMI was over 40 for 5 consecutive years. A short term weight gain would have done me no good...

[demsvmejm 5]

I never thought of weights and adding clothes. I did have 2 co-morbidies, High blood pressure and had a Stroke 3 yrs ago. I didn't have 100 lbs to lose, but I'm 4'11" and weighed 201 at my dr's visit. All that qualified me.

[SuzanneG 1]

I was BMI of 35.1 on my first consult and as you may have guessed, I was denied. I appealed with all the letters of support from every one of my doctors and while I was gathering all my info and writing my letters, I was eating like there was no tomorrow. When I submitted my appeal, my BMI was up to 36.7 and that was one of the deciding factors in my subsequent approval!

It was totally worth it. Only bad thing was, once I let the monster out of the cage, I couldn't get him back in. I gained even more by my surgery date, but I'm below that now, so no harm no foul.

[ronwifey 0]

Suzanne~ I know what you mean about the "monster out of the cage". My monster is out of the cage and completely out of control.

Great job on losing! I hope I have the same results as you.

[Randi 0]

I've heard of people sewing fish weights into their clothing.

[coltonwade 27]

I've heard of people sewing fish weights into their clothing.

Oh now THAT Is a good one ! . But I think you would have to sew a lot if you are a 10 pd over weight LMAO Just make sure if you take your clothes off the nurse doesnt pick them up or anything LMAO

Mindy

[mindyemt08 0]

I have heard that you have to be at your BMI for 5+ years and have to prove that through Dr. records. You can't just gain a little weight and get an approval. That's what I have heard.

[Apples2 19]

My surgeon kind of helped me out with my BMI. I suddenly got shorter. Drank lots of Water on the way to my appt. and b/4. Couple heavy, layered sweaters, heaviest jeans that I could wear. It all worked to get my foot in the door. But, have been waiting for approval from ins. co. and they are questioning everything. I am on pins and needles.