Second denial. Ugh! OK, guys, what's next? Gear up for battle? Give up?

I just called UHC and apparently they're taking the "we require 40 BMI; we don't care about 35 with comorbids" seriously. I have a second denial letter heading my way today. Ugh! I am presently at a 38.9 BMI, with comorbids.

Seriously? You're telling me I am not fat enough for this? I wish I could say I have confidence in my surgeons' insurance coordinator's ability to fight for me on this, but I don't at the moment.

What's next?

I have looked on the insurance board and it seems more like folks asking questions than giving advice. 

Do I give up? Do I keep fighting? If I keep fighting, what is my angle of attack? Is it time to call Lindstrom's group? Switch surgeons to someone who will tackle this head on? I cannot help but feel that because there are many folks walking in the door of the surgeon's office, I'm receiving minimal support/effort on this, and if they don't make the money with me, they'll make it on the next person. My usual approach is to just take over but this is a topic I know nothing about.

Feeling very lost and defeated at the moment. If I looked as deflated as I feel, I wouldn't need surgery.

Any and all war stories/specific steps of advice are most gratefully welcomed at this point. 

 

Gain a couple of pounds?  I did.

That was my thought.

I know it may sound terrible....How much would you have to gain? ....15 or 20 pounds?

I think I gained 7 pounds and that was enough to push me over 40 BMI.  I lost it right away and went to surgery with a BMI of 38.6.

 

 

Your BMI is so close to 40... I agree just gain a few more pounds. It will be worth it in the long run because you will get your surgery.

 

Best of luck to you

That was my thought gain some weight?  Also if you don't feel confident in your surgeon's office I would seek a new surgeon...you should feel confident in the office staff as well as the surgeon.

is it wrong to say gain some weight..lol i wouldnt give up. fight!! even after the surgery your in a battle to do whats right..eating healthy..and staying strong!

Unfortunately, a lot of insurance companies dont care what your surgeon says. Policy is policy. I hate to say it, but gaining a few pounds may be your best bet right now. Or carry a couple rocks in your pocket for next weigh in

That is what I did! Put lots of change in my pockets, didn't empty my pockets!

My surgeons nurse even said that a lot of people close to 40 will cheat, because in another 6 months they will probably be that anyway. I am lucky my insurance didnt require a 40 BMI and considered my co morbids. Otherwise, I was prepared to do what I had to. Lol