Nerves are Getting The Best of me

[intut485 0]

I've done all my research about lap-band, and I've attended the seminar. I'm still in my early stages, this I know. I'm 24 years old with a BMI of 36. The only co-morbidity that I have is sleep apnea but it's not diagnosed through my GP. I'm in such need of this procedure and I'll benefit so greatly from it, but I'm afraid my insurance (BCBS Of NC) will decline me due to not having a BMI of 40> and only 1 co-morbidity.

What are the chances that this will happen for me do you think? I attended 6 sessions of a dietitian last year, and it didn't do anything. I actually gained weight after wards. The health related issues is that I've got celiac disease and the sleep apnea.

I need to just have patience. For those of you that have gone through this, what do you think my chances are?:thumbup:

[Lisani 0]

I do not have BCBS of NC. I had to gain 5 pounds to bring up my BMI...can you believe it? My insurance was going to deny me for being 5 pounds under because my co-morbidities were not severe enough. I know it stinks and I wouldn't suggest that any one else do that, but do you know how much weight you would have to gain to hit the BMI the insurance company wants? For me it didn't take much...I love cheesecake. :biggrin: I did what I had to do and was approved.

One thing I didn't know is that my osteoarthritis is probably caused by my obesity. I wasn't aware of any arthritis until I had an MRI of my back. It is not life threatening but certainly aided the cause.

Hopefully someone who has experience with the same ins. co. will reply, but my experience has been that insurance companies are sticklers for the qualifications, very black and white to them.

[Cortney75 0]

This might not sound good but my husband is also looking into getting lapband but does not meet the weight right now. Someone suggested weigh down your pockets to help your weight be higher. Also leave your shoes and on when you step on the scale that will help add a few pounds.

My thought is get a few rolls of quarters and see if that helps. And if you are close then maybe gain a few pounds. I know that is not something fun to think about but in the long run if it helps you get approved specially after all the time you have invested into looking into it I would do it.

Here is something I copied off of a BMI info for being approved -

A BMI of 35 - 40 is generally high enough to qualify you for bariatric surgery if you have comorbid conditions such as diabetes (type II), hypertension, sleep apnea or other potentially life-threatening diseases.

So if you have sleep apnea, you have one so far. Has your PCP mentioned anything about being pre diabetic, hypertension. Does it run in your family? Maybe the ins will accept it if there is a family history of it and getting the band will help you develop them all together.

Best of luck to you!!!