New Member!

Hello Everyone - I'm Erin and I'm just getting started on my journey to WLS. I've had my initial evaluation and am scheduled for a bunch of tests in late October. I only have a BMI of 35.9 currently, but at my highest weight I was a 44. I'm interested to hear about how folks with lower BMI's were handled with their insurance. I have Type I diabetes and potentially sleep apnea. 

Hello Erin!  Congrats on pursuing WLS and Welcome to our LW Board!!!!!  It's the BEST Decision I've ever made for myself!!

I think I was at 40/41 but it's been too long to remember.  Your Surgeon must think you will qualify or he/she wouldn't be putting you through the tests.  

Keep us Updated!!!

 Welcome

I had over 100lbs and a high enough BMI that it wasn't a problem but I agree with Roz, these Drs are great about knowing what will and won't be approved.  Congrats on the weight you have lost already. 

Looking forward to following your progress.  Let us know how you progress.

Welcome aboard! 

Wishing you good luck on all those tests. I think I had just about every key comorbidity prior to surgery but only a starting BMI of 36.8. Surgery was approved in 3 days. 

--gina

I started the process with a BMI of 39, high blood pressure and was pre-diabetic.  I had a sleep test at that point and found out that I had sleep apnea (which apparently is common when obese).  My surgeons office knew exactly what was needed to submit for insurance approval.  One thing to note - as far as I have heard, all insurance requires a BMI of at least 35 or higher.

I have a BMI of 36 or so, so I am clearing the requirement for a 35. I'm a Type I diabetic but right now I don't have any other documented issues. My cholesterol is high per the recommendations for a diabetic (160 LDL). They also suspect I have sleep apnea.