bmi 34 from general info

April 15, 2005

Anybody who reads in this area may have already noticed i am looking for info on bmi <40. i have multilple physical probs, (have not had sleep apnea test) and my insurance is self administered by the hosp. i work at. i know they pay for lap band w/ "co morbids". Has anyone heard of insurance paying for 35-40 bmi. i live in New orleans, i have a surgeon picked already and know they may be kind of liberal although i haven't been to the office yet. I don't even need referrals to see a surgeon or specialists on my plan. my ins. co. told me i need a letter of medical necessity no other rules or regs.MMMMMM

lisa

tired of yo yo dieting and trying to prevent the diabetes, heart disease etc that is so prevalent in my family.

nygrl · May 1, 2005

i had a bmi of 36 and i too have great insurance with no referrals needed but for this a big fat NO!! unless you have co morbidities like hypertension or sleep apnia or something along those lines i think they just wont.... i personally think that they are not approving as easily anymore since so many people are doing this... i was banded on april 21 and paid $7000.. my surgeon had a deal going on with the makers of the band and the hospital and i just happened to be at the right place at the right toime.. i hae been told it could cost up to $30.000 in the U.S. good luck!

Debbydo · May 1, 2005

Hi Lisa,

If your insurance will pay for the consults - why don't you start the process.

As I may have mentioned on another thread, if it was me I would double dheck if they exclude the lap band. GO for it - the worst they can say is no. Have your co morbidities documented by the specialists. I got approval in 24 hrs with a BMI of 35.

angiebell · May 1, 2005

My BMI is 30 and my insurance paid. I have UHC and I have the family conditions like you do. I was banded on April 27th.

QWINNER · May 1, 2005

I have oxford and family history of all the big ones - diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. My BMI was hovering between 38-40. I am 5'1 and was 204. Never would tell if you looked at me though, people thought I was crazy to have the surgery. Even my Lap surgeon was surprised when I got on the scale. Don't give up hope. This is why we have insurance. Keep trying. What do you have to loose. Good luck