Band_Groupie

If you haven't already, call your insurance co. and ask for a copy of your specific bariatric policy (many times they can direct you on how to access and print it off online). That should list all the requirements and it's a good thing to have in hand when you meet with the surgeon's office (I developed a list of questions after reviewing mine...things like 'comorbidities' are usually very vague, but your surgeon's insurance/billing person will be able to tell you the ones that 'count'). I have BCBS - Highmark PPO Blue and I can tell you that BCBS is different even in my state from area to area. Good luck on your start! -BG

__________________
Band_Groupie - I'm with the Band 4/22/09



My Blog "The Sweet Spot" http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blogs/51088/

Stacy1107

I'm a newbie and I have to have a 6 month supervised diet, psych eval and a 1 time visit with a dietitrian. I have bcbs anthem of ca and I'm in my fifth
month of dieting. Does anyone know if it's hard to get approved? How does it usually take?

Chrissie23

I was in my 5th month too, when the bariatric coordinator at the hospital submitted all my stuff to insurance. The coordinator sent my stuff on Tuesday and by Thursday I received a call from my insurance saying I have been approved - they didn't wait to approve me til after my 6th month, which I was kinda surprised. I was definitely surprised by the quick approval, but hey I'm not complaining! I think it's all depending on who is submitting your info....if they know what they're doing then the smoother it'll be.

__________________
Lap RNY = 12/01/09

♥ Scale Whore #58
♥ Over BMI 50 Club Member #3

Marella

I like to suggest reading, "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies". It's a great place for you to start, to find out more information and define the questions best to ask of your professionals.

IMO, it's best to come prepared, with questions written down AND don't hesitate to write down the answers, or ask if you can record the consultation. For instance:

How many procedures has the surgeon performed?

What is his complication rate?

Does he/she do this procedure on a particular day, what day can you expect, and what kind of recovery time does the office expect?

Will I have a pre-op diet? What will it consist of and for how long?

Assuming a laproscopic procedure, how long will my hospital stay be? 1 day, 2 nights or longer.

Will I be seeing a Nutritionist, or will I get a package presenting and helping me with retraining my eating habits, and what I am to expect to eat immediately post-op and beyond?

Etc... ask the questions that of the highest concern to you.

__________________
~ Marella


Day 77: TTwo-terville - 53 lbs down
Day 188: Century Club - 100 lbs down
Day 366: 1 Year - 146 lbs down
Day 396: One-derland - 153 lbs gone forever! (my pic progression)

krbunch

Thanks so much Marella. I went to my first consultation last night. I received so much information. I also received a Patient Handbook that answered MANY of my questions. I was actually suprised to find out that the surgeon's office does most of the work with my insurance company so that's a little less stress off of my shoulders. My doctor's appt is Thursday to discuss my diet and get to receive my referral letter to take to the surgeon's office on Monday for my Bod Pod appt.

cocoa

When I first started enquiring, BCBS denied me because I hadn't done a 6 month program. I appealed with Weight Watchers records and journals. I won the appeal and did not have to do the program.

It is possible to not have to do it even if required. Although that said. It still took from August 2008 when I went to my first seminar until February 2009 until I had my surgery. I takes time to get all the ducks in a row sometimes. My biggest delay was getting the psychologist to write the letter. It took about 6 weeks (he was not associated with my surgeon's office). I don't know why there was such a delay, but the surgeon's office could not submit to the insurance without it. I made several calls and finally sat on their doorstep until they gave it to me.

Denise

Banded 2-15-2008 / Begin Pre-Op Diet 210
Dr. Charles Callery / Day of Surgery 202
San Diego, CA

Starting weight taken on first visit with surgeon. All time high, 217.