Getting approved!

I am 5'9 265lbs and my BMI is 38...I have completed all the education requirements for my procedure (gastric sleeve)...now for the sad part....With my BMI being a 38 I need other medical factors to support my "need" for the surgery in order for the insurance company to cover it.....Well I have no other medical conditions, no high blood pressure, no diabetes, and the results came in today.....no sleep apnea either....Im glad that I am healthy but why isnt Arthritis taking into account with these medical factors....I have it so bad in my in joints mainly my knees.....HELP!!! What do I do?????

Arthritis was used in my insurance decision... hope it works out for you.

Thanks so much....I hope all works out well also.

I would think if you have documented visits with the doctor about arthritis it would help. What about plantar faciitis? Just a though, because mine is so baddddd.

Well, the insurance coordinator has told me that she and the doctor are prepared to go through an appeal process "IF" nec...I'm hoping with my past medical history of back, knee and other severe joint pain, the insurance company will see this procedure as a preventitive measure and go ahead and approve me

Thats crazy :( Sorry to hear that. What is your health insurance co. Mine is United Health my BMI is 38.9 I will be starting my classes Tuesday that they require. I have to provide them with a 5 year weight history showing my weight incressing. After that I will find out if im approved. As of right now I havent done any other testing to find out about me having other issues.  Ill know more next week.

Well, Good luck to you Samantha....My insurance is Aetna and I also have a secondary ins...Im hoping that btw the two of them it will all work out. My BMI is 38 which is still classified as SEVERLY OBESE! and with all the depression Ive been dealing with, with this whole process I have gained weight and my BMI is now 39...dont know that it will mean much considering....but Im gonna keep the faith.

Tell them your weight has put so much stress on your spine that you shrank to 5'5" and now your BMI is over 40!

Sorry not helpful. Did your surgeon already write a letter to them? Also maybe there are other comorbidities you aren't thinking of like back and joint pain?