Has anyone ever tried to gain weight to meet Ins requirements?

I know someone on here put ankle weights on once. Just a thought instead of gaining weight.

Maybe consider wearing some sort of compression garment with weights tapes inside, that way you don't have to worry about them falling off. Be careful with where you put weights, because you are usually poked and prodded when you go for a visit. Maybe put all of the weights by you butt, that should be a safe zone!

I had Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, administered by Carefirst in the DC area. I had a BMI of 35. BCBS denied me, saying the sleeve was ususally reserved for folks with a BMI over 50. I appealed and eventually won. See my blog for more info, including text from my appeal.

There is simply no medical justification for limiting the sleeve to persons with a BMI of 50 or over. I'd either wear ankle weights at the first consult or appeal rather than gain weight, but it's up to you.

BTW, the two docs in DC area that I talked to have not had good luck getting a sleeve approved for persons with a BMI under 50 with BCBS. I was EXTREMELY persistent, and had little help from the first doc's office, which is mainly why I changed doctors. My persistence paid off and I got the surgery I wanted and insurance paid for it.

Thanks for all the responses! You've definitely given me a lot to think about

I will be sure to update you all on how it goes with the new surgeon!