IMSKINNY

Thanks folks for the information! I have some odd ins called CCMSI. They are a third party provider and one big beauracracy, if you ask me. I was told by my surgeon's office that my ins follows the same policy as Aetna, which, based on what I have read, is one of the better policies for this sort of thing. So, I think having sleep apnea helps because my BMI is over 40 and I take meds for hypertension. I go back for my 3rd meeting with the dietician and the NP on May 4. After that, I should only have one more visit, before the info is submitted to ins. Everybody take a deep breath .... AND PRAY!! Thanks.

Hey, gang, I had a question! I was diagnosed with sleep apnea after using the home sleep delivery machine? Does that improve my chances of getting approved with a BMI of 40 plus and hypertension?

Wow! 18 years out?! Had she kept the weight off? I'd be happy with a good ten years of weight loss! Ha! Well, we all deserve to do good things for ourselves! I'm a firm believer in that. I keep thinking I'll do this and think why didn't I do this at 35 rather than 45! Oh well... Better late than never! Yep, 7K is a lot of money, but it will be worth it. I really hope the ins approves it, but if not, I'm already thinking of plan b!

I probably should go to a support group. I've been feeling rather emotional about the decision to start this journey. I guess I want to make sure I'm approved before I do that. I've been talking to a friend a lot who is also considering WLS and to a friend who had it a year ago. He's lost 200 lbs!! He was over 400 when he started. What did they talk about in the group?

One of my niece's friends used it for her surgery. I don't know the details, but she loved it!

Is he in Houston?

Like you, I've been big most of my life. I've lost 40 or more lbs on my own, but it has always come back. I'm hoping this will be a jump start and I can then manage on my own. It'll be okay for both of us.

I have some odd insurance called CCMSI. I am a public employee and they are the third party administrator for my agency. The provider network is Verity Healthnet. WLS is excluded unless medically necessary, so I guess all of this is to prove I need the surgery. The EGD is a pre op test, but I think the sleep apnea test has been ordered because they think that I have it too. It's a home delivery test. The package came today. I put it on before bed and then send it back for them to read the results. Better than sleeping away from home.... I hope I get approved, then I will really start to worry.

Hey, and it seems like people with BCBS get approved quickly!

I'm in Alexandria, but the surgeon is in Lafayette. Where are you? I've been to 2 visits with the NP and the dietician. I have to do a 3 mo medically supervised diet. Two more months to go... I've spoken with the psychologist, had a gallbladder test, and about to do the sleep apnea test. Next month is the EGD. It's a lot of stuff to do! I hope I get approved by my insurer! I'm kinda anxious about the whole thing! But, I'm ready to make a change!

I've decided on Dr. Chu with Surgical Specialists. I have a good friend who has done well with them. Have you gone for your first visit or have you been through all the preliminaries already?

I hope it works out for you. Who's your surgeon?

My doctor only required several office notes from my PCP for the 3 years in question. So, we chose the office visits with the highest weights. Try that...

That's great news! I'm excited for you! Where is Dr. Garcia, by the way?

Well, she's a business owner and saved for the procedure. Neither was in the military. The other was a Louisiana state employee, who probably had BCBS.

One was self-pay and I'll ask the other and get back to you.

Not in San Antonio, but I know a couple of folks who had procedures in Houston.

Can I be denied if I don't lose or gain weight during the diet?

Has anyone in Louisiana had VSG? If so, which insurance company approved you?

Have you looked into Care Credit? I saw people discuss on this forum.

But, you Doc has to accept CareCredit, right?

I was told that my insurance follows Aetna's criteria. Does that mean I will be approved easily?

Has anyone had experience with Cannon Cochran Verity Healthnet? I am a government employee. I have been to the first meeting with the surgeon's office and the dietician. I was told that I have to do the 3 month medically supervised diet and psych eval for the sleeve. I have a 48 BMI with hypertension. I also have chronic joint pain and arthritis. After the first visit, I was excited and began the one meal replacement diet. Then, I saw my PCP's nurse when I went to go pick up medical records and she said not to try too hard to lose during the diet or I might be denied! WTH? I'm now really confused! Any advice about the ins company and/or the diet? Thanks ahead of time!