Swan56

Congratulations! I hope mine goes that quickly. I have already had all the evaluations, tests, etc. I am just waiting on insurance to approve my surgery. I'm sure with this being a holiday week it'll take a little more time but I'm being optomistic. Keep us posted on your journey and good luck!

Thank you! Congratulations to you as well. I, too, am hoping they won't take 30 days to decide. The surgery center has told me they still have openings so hopefully BCBS won't wait too long. Are you as excited/nervious/anxious as I am? What's your story?

Price - i feel for you. It's frustrating enough having to admit you can't lose on your own and you need the help of the surgery. It's even worse when you don't have a support group. But like many have said in response already, you have to do what is best for you! My husband is very supportive and my sister, mom, and stepdad are too. My dad on the other hand, is pretty hesitant. I think that has more to do with not knowing though. He lost his father to an adverse reaction to a routine surgery - so I understand his concern. I have chosen not to tell many people that I'm going to have the surgery. I don't want their judging and I don't need their criticism. Lean on your husband - find a support group - use the forums here... we will get you through this and then when you're thinner and healthier I'm sure your family will get WLS amnesia too. Good luck!

I'm awaiting my approval/denial from BCBS (of Tennessee Network P). Anyone dealt with them? How hard is it to get approved? I've already jumped through all their requirement hoops. Please - someone give me some advice on what to expect.

How long did it take you to be approved by Insurance MichelleLynn?

Okay so I'm new here and am just trying to hear from people that have had surgery and gone through the steps, etc. Anything really. Let me start off by saying, i was completely against weight loss surgery earlier this year. Maybe it was denial but I thought I should have been able to do this on my own. My stepdad actually suggested it and I was offended. But I guess this is what made me start thinking about it. I've been trying for fifteen years to not be the chunky kid and it just wasn't working. I turn 30 next month and I decided I was going to start right. I finally got everything submitted to the surgery center earlier this week. I have BCBS of TN - Network P - anyone know how hard it is to get approved by them? My doctor wasn't against it but it wasn't easy getting him to finally write a letter (a little bit of a procrastinator maybe?... haha) Anyway, BCBS required me to lose 10% of my body weight from my heaviest, take some psych tests, get an eval, and get a letter submitted from my doc - stating the last 5 years of weights. The surgery center says that BCBS has 30 days to approve or deny me. I'm really hoping for an approval and surgery before Jan 1 (for out of pocket costs reasons). I'm a little scared. I have NEVER had surgery. What can I expect? I'm already an active person - play softball, enjoy working out... another concern is excess skin. I guess if it's too bad I'll deal with it but I really have NO desire to have cosmetic surgery after it's all said and done. Please guys... give me some words of wisdom