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Keep calling BCBSIL every day & get a customer service rep that you like to call medical review for you. I was denied 3x & finally today I got my approval. It is such a good feeling & can't wait for my surgery 10-12. What a relief. Jan

I hope to share good news soon. I'm a native Texan living in OR & always appreciate the kindness of a fellow Texan. Take care, Jan

I was just denied for the 2nd time with BCBSIL also. My doctor is sending more about the 6 months program I completed through the hospital & documentation of my sleep study (which she normally doesn't include) & now I need everyone to help me pray I get an approval in the next few days. I understand how disappointed you are after 9 months. Best of luck to you. Jan

You are an inspiration! My doctor's office is filing everything again today & I hope I have an approval next week. Until then, take care & continue the great job you are doing. Jan

You look wonderful. My husband & I both need to lose weight & I shared your picture with him. He said OMG!! Hope you are feeling as good as you look. I still don't have good news with my approval but hope to soon. Take care, Jan

Glad to hear you have your sleeve & hope you the worst of any pain from the operation is over & done with. I hope to have my sleeve by the end of September or early October. Please share your experiences. Take care, Jan

I wish you the best. An easy recovery & a tool that helps manage your weight for a lifetime. Please keep everyone posted. If things are different than you expected, please ask the experts b/c if you have a question so do others. Will be looking for updates. I will be following you shortly as my last doctor's appointment is 9-10 & then everything will be sent to my insurance company for approval. Take care, Jan

I have a BMI of 36/37 & thought my only co-morbidity was high cholesterol. I was sent for a sleep study & was diagnosed with sleep apnea which is an accepted co-morbidity. I never dreamed I had this condition so maybe you could request a sleep study. I now qualify for VSG after completing 6 mos of Weight Watchers. Don't give up. Jan

Did you find out anything regarding coverage for the assistant surgeon? I have BCBSIL also & am concerned b/c of your post. I'm hoping to be approved in October for the sleeve. Jan

April-Thanks for getting back to me. My insurance requires 6 mos of eating on a diet plan so I'm attending Weight Watcher's. Seems so silly to be dieting since I am a lifetime member & know how to make healthy choices. I think most of us are good dieters but can't maintain & thus are getting the sleeve. Can't wait:) Take care, Jan

Hi- I am planning on having Dr Halpin do my sleeve surgery in November or December. Want to make sure you still feel she was a good choice for the sleeve. There is another surgeon, Dr Patterson, & wondered if you heard anything about how many sleeve operations she has done. Hope you are doing well:) Jan

I am very happy for you. I also have BCBSIL & hope to be approved by November. They denied 5-11 b/c I need to complete 6 mos of weight mgmt classes but they accepted my co-morbidities. I had to change surgeons b/c my dr took a job in another state. I chose another surgeon with out missing a month so there should be no interruption. Will be looking for your posts & cheering you on. Congrats on your approval. Jan