two more left

[IamDetermined]

Hi-
I have two more nutrition visits left before I can get insurance approval. I have not lost much weight at all, mostly for my concern of my BMI going down to less than the required. The nutritionist wants me to lose some weight (I've only lost 1.5 lbs in 4 months), but I am reluctant. If I go below the 35 BMI, will the insurance still approve me for surgery? Anyone know? Thanks.

[Ann2]

Totally depends on the insurer. And it varies.

[mellowjoy]

IamDetermined, check with your Doctor's office. They will know exactly what your insurance requirements are regarding your weight for surgery approval. I had BCBS and they used my initial visit weight. BCBS plans vary according to what was/is negotiated with your employer.

The Doctor encouraged me to lose some weight pre surgery to make surgery easier on my body. I didn't but I also didn't gain any weight.

[Stacey03]

Ahhh thats trickery eh. I would phone and ask all those questions as that is anxiety provoking! Surely the nutritionalist would know? Like that would be pants if you lost too much and then they disapproved! Make some calls and hugs for this bit of your journey x

[Christie13]

I know that I could not drop below 40 BMI because my insurance specifically would not cover it since I only had 1 qualifying comorbidity. So, my surgeon was not worried about me losing weight until my pre op diet. I would check with your insurance to confirm. (Ironically, I also could not gain any weight at all.)

[Shannon'sVSG]

Hi there IamDetermined!

A tricky situation indeed. But I tend to agree with the consensus here in that your insurance company will vary in it's requirements. While some tend to be a stickler for a specific BMI, others will understand that you are required to undergo a pre-op diet and as such, your weight will fluctuate and may slip below the required 35 BMI you speak of. A suggestion would be to contact your insurer and ask them what their requirements are. If it is a drop dead BMI, them do what you need to do for you and stay above it to satisfy the insurers requirements (not the best advise, I know), but if they are understanding that weight may fluctuate, then get to doing what you need to do for you. Either way, that is ultimately what it is about, right?

[IamDetermined]

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I will make some calls to dr's office and, if need be, my insurance. I do have a few comorbidities that qualify me. So, hopefully.
I'm thankful for this site ,and all of you, for all the great info I'm getting. You're all inspirations to me.