littlebits

Clk, you look fabulous!!! Little bits

Congrats... Little bits

Contests Janet! That's awesome!!! Little bits

Thank you so much! I hope that this includes BCBS of DE. **praying** Little bits

I have it on my android. Little bits

I have one, but I haven't set it up yet. mspriss04 Little bits

I think that it is the surgeon's office that submits the information. That's why I want to speak with my surgeon. I don't know really trust his office. Little bits

Dorrie, I wish. I don't meet their bmi requirement for the 2 step or stand alone procedure. The nurse @ my nutritionist's office said that she was told that BCBS of DE is in the process of changing their requirements, but we don't know that for certain. I'm just going to trust my pcp & keep moving forward. Happy thoughts!!! Little bits

Thank you! I'm getting myself together. Little bits

Dkna2, I lived in AL for 8 years when I was younger. I hope that things will work out for both of us. This experience is certainly overwhelming. Lol...I don't so spell checks. Keep in touch with me & keep me posted on your progress. Good luck! Thanks everyone for all of the great advice & encouraging words. I was down in the dumps today & all of you made me feel so much better! Little bits

Thanks Bubbaloo! I plan to push as hard as I can. I just can't understand why BCBS of DE hasn't changed their requirements yet. It's so frustrating! Little bits

Kat, thank you so much for the information!!! I will print that information out today. The office manager has to be interpreting the policy, because I still have one more clearance (my nutrition classes) that won't be complete until next month. So, she hasn't submited my paperwork. Little bits

Hello everyone! I recently finished up most my clearances for BCBS of DE...I just have one nutrition class left in May. Immediately following my 5th nutrition class I stopped to speak with the nurse to discuss a possible surgery date. At this time, I was informed that my insurance company still views the sleeve as a two part procedure; therefore, they require a BMI of 50 or higher. My BMI is 38. I'm not really sure why it took five months for someone to share this information with me, but I am absolutely livid! I have HBP, Type II diabetes and (discovered during one of my clearances) sleep apnea. In addition to these issues, yesterday, the cardiologist (another clearance) informed me that I have a slight heart murmur. Has anyone else ever run into a situation like mine? Were you able to get approved? What did you do??? I'm so desperate. My PCP isn't concerned. He is sure that I will get approved & he plans to fight for me. I don't know what to do. Nonetheless, if all else fails, I have a backup plan... My company's open enrollment begins on May 2nd. I could change to Aetna at this time. My new insurance would be effective on July 1. Aetna requires six additional nutrition classes, but that won't be too difficult. It would just push my time frame back. Does anyone know if there is a waiting period if you switch companies? I'm a teacher & I would like to have my surgery over the summer. I wanted to have it in June. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Addition vent---The only issue, at this point, is the BMI requirement. I have been very proactive in trying to find out what I can do to get around this road block. The surgeon is wonderful, but his office staff is horrible. He is the one who suggested the sleeve in the first place. I went into his office to discuss Lap Band, and I have since realized that this is not an option. He suggested the sleeve b/c I have to take anti-inflammatory medication for my ankle & back (from a bad car accident). I asked if it was possible to speak with the surgeon or receive a call back. The office manager refused to let me speak with him & insisted that I would not be approved. I'm sorry, but this is not her call. BCBS of DE told me that they base their decisions on a case by case scenerio. (Just an fyi of how rude the office manager is--there are three surgeons in the office & she also tried to convince me that the female surgeon was my surgeon. I have never met her, but I have met both of the males.) She was absolutely horrible. Anyway, I waited two days & still had not received a call from my surgeon so I called back. She never sent him the message...Smh!!! I'm sorry, when you are stressed or sick, you don't need the office staff making matters worse!!! The nerve of her! I will be reporting her next week... So sorry for overloading you with so much information...I'm so stressed out right now. :'( Little bits

So, I have my 5th class with the NUT on Tuesday. I have all of the paperwork that she will be asking for at that time (the test, the food diary & the two day menu for post op). In addition to those things, I have to take her the Protein that I plan to use and Vitamins (Multivitamin preferably with Iron, Calcium citrate & b12). I have decided on the nectar brand protein. I also purchased a gummy multivitamin (without iron) at Target. I plan to go to the Vitamin Shoppe later on today. If you have any suggestions (vitamins and/or protein), please feel free to share... Thanks in advance!!! Little bits

Congrats!!! Little bits

Wow...keep up the good work!!! Little bits

I felt the same way when I found out that my insurance required 6 months of supervised visits with the NUT. Instead of being upset about it, I have used this time to learn as much as I possibly can about this process. Thank you for sharing your experiences...your updates have been very helpful!!! Little bits

Great job! Little bits

Fabulous! Little bits

I'm so happy for you...congrats! I can't wait to be on the loser's bench!!! Little bits