Why do you HAVE to be at a 40 BMI?

I am considered "obese" and I'm wanting the surgery really bad. I've done all my research and homework on this and know that this is what I want. My current BMI is 35.9. I don't have hypertention, diabetes or any of that. I have tried every diet and diet pill there is and nothing has helped.

I just feel this isn't fair at all.

To qualify without co-morbidities you need to be Morbidly Obese, which is a BMI of 40 - them's the insurance company rules UNLESS you want to self pay!

BMI "requirements" vary, from company to company, but..yes 40 does seem to be the "magic number" for most. Some go with a lower BMI, depending the amt/type of co-morbidities, but you say you don't think you have any (but usually there is actually quite a long list-not just hypertension and Diabetes).

Some companies look at HOW LONG you have been at that BMI, highest wt, lowest wt, etc, etc, etc..all are so VERY different...Do you know the SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS of YOUR POLICY> Not just whatever is on the website of the insurance company-but what is in the POLICY of YOUR insurance package? If you are not sure, I encourage you call the Member Services number, on the back of your card, and find out...

Information is power..It may not be as hopeless as you think..if nothing else, please be GLAD you do not have co-morbidities-it means you are HEALTHIER than most people

Good luck and let us know what you find out!

 Thanks Gina, I have been this same weight for the past 7 years. I have tried every diet out there. My doctor appointment is on May 4th. So I'm going to try my hardest. I will call my insurance company as well. All is not lost...I'm keeping the faith and will stay as positive as I can. 

Thanks for responding!! 

I assume that is generally the point at which the risks of being obese begin to outweigh the risks of major surgery.  Well, the point at which someone determined the risks of obesity begin to outweigh the risks of surgery, anyone.  Obviously everyone has to evaluate that for themselves.

Honestly as sick as it sounds just gain a little weight!! 

 How about sleep apnea?  have you been tested for that?  That is usually a co-morbidity.  Do you snore or feel like you don't sleep well?  Maybe your doctor could set you up for a sleep study.

 I had a sleep study done back in January...and they said I don't have it. But my husband has recorded me sleeping and I definitely hold my breath and snore horribly!! So I don't know how they said I don't have it.

 At 35 you need comorbidities - can they come up with something? Back pain, knee pain, PCOS, arthritis, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, insulin resistance. I would work on a comorbidity. I had a BMI of 35 too and at 5'2" the weight was killing me. I had a lot of people tell me I wasnt heavy enough for WLS, I didnt have 100 lbs to lose, etc but I know my body and I could not carry the weight. I had multiple comorbidities: fibromyalgia, PCOS, insulin resistance, high chol, previous back surgery and back pain, migraines, hypothyroidism - Im sure there are more I cant remember. Dont give up.

 I have horrible migraines, I wake up with headaches just about every single day. I have hypothyroidism, and I cannot stand for a long period of time before my back hurts so bad from standing. I do have reports of all of this in my medical records. I have an appointment on May 4th, so I'll know more after that. Keep your fingers crossed for me.