Jerzygurl

I'm interested in knowing this too. I haven't been sleeved yet, but I know just cutting back in anticipation of my surgery, I've saved quite a bit already. I ate out every single day..for lunch and dinner..breakfast was Dunkin' Donuts coffee (every day)...and in the last 3 weeks, I've been able to save $300 just by cooking dinner at home and taking lunch to work. I've started a little fund for any cosmetic surgery I might need... after the weight loss.

How did things work out for your sister...

YAY!!!!! So glad to hear that...good for you! Best of luck...hope you can reschedule soon!

I would think they'd approve it based on other factors like BMI, weight & your high cholesterol too. As for low iron, I've had that several times due to chemo and just had to pump up my intake of spinach and other leafy greens and it's always worked like a charm. The insurance company will base their decision on what paperwork the doctor submits and if bariatric surgery is allowed under your policy.

I think they require a 6 month supervised diet before approval. But I would call them and check. They might have changed their policy much like BCBS who also had the same diet stipulation, but has since cut it down to 3 consecutive months of doctor's visits period.

Thank you. I can't wait.

For me, it's my lower back, knees and feet... ugh..talk about pain!!! I understand... I can't wait..still have high hopes for October surgery...I'm almost done..all my test...

From all I've read here and elsewhere BCBS of Illinois will approve it, if your employer has included Bariatric surgery in their policy.

Just want to add another thing to my list of "straws"...today I went for an MRI of my brain just to make sure my cancer has not returned...and guess what? I was too FAT to fit in the machine! Can you say embarrassing!!! They had to schedule me for their other office with the open-ended machine... the only thing that made me feel better was it was Sunday and the place was pretty empty except for me, the tech and the receptionist..and they both know me due to all the scans I've had there..and both said...don't worry about it...soon you'll have all the room you need to fit inside. You're doing the right thing for yourself and your health..don't get discouraged or be sad about it...

Depends on the insurance.

If you're looking at winter break then it's good that you're starting now. Make your appointments quickly, the sooner the better. I noticed (pos) at the end of your BCBS is that (point of service)? I missed that before. I'm definitely Horizon-BCBS-NJ but (Direct Access). Not sure how big of a difference there is between the two, but I still think the change from 6 months to 3 months apply to all BCBS bariatric coverage.

Megan, We have the same insurance...and yes they pay 100% as long as the doctor is in Network. So far, I've only been responsible for a co-pay to see the WLS and my PCP, other than those two, I haven't spent a dime at all..and it's a blessing to have such great insurance with no Bariatric exclusion. I'm also at the finish line and hoping for an October surgery. Oh and one other thing, I'm not sure if you know or even if it applies to your coverage but BCBS requires three visits to the doctor's office in three separate months. By that I mean, it used to be you had to go through a 6 month supervised diet program, but they've since made it much easier. Now it's only 3 months.. so for me, my doctor's appointment in Aug counts as 1 visit, then my appts with the psch or Nut will in Sept counts as number 2 and then my 2nd appt with the NUT in Oct will count as my third consecutive month of appointments...then I will be able to get surgery. Anyway...Best of luck!

I think, if anything pops up, they deal with it before surgery is done. I'm the opposite. I've have cancer 4x, so they have to check that I'm clear and in remission before I can have surgery. Fingers are crossed...I had the CT Scan today...I'll know something by the end of the week. Someone posted last week that they cleared all the hurdles only to get into surgery and wake up without a sleeve, apparently they found a tumor at the base of her stomach. So, now she has to see the gastro doc and find out the next step before she can be rescheduled. I wish you the best...

We are blessed. My employer is the same. I feel bad for others that don't have the same.

I'm sorry, but what a terrible PCP... my primary doctor was absolutely on board from day one...he thinks WLS should be made available to more people and that all insurance companies should pay for it..because in the end, they will pay much more over your lifetime. He gave me a high five for making a solid health choice. I've been going to him for years and he's seen my struggle with my weight, he's even tried to help me, but to no avail. Find a new doctor. You're going to need the support. My WLS doc told me, I'll need to depend heavily upon my PCP, so it's important to have one that understands and that is in your corner.

Yep. It is all in how the employer's plan is written. If it's not there, then there's no chance at all, it will ever get approved. The only other option is self-pay. My doctor as do many others, offer financing for surgery.....they can check into that possibility.

Fantastic Job!! Love the hair too!

How you feeling? Able to move about pretty good?

I'm not keeping it at secret at all. At first, I told my family and some close friends...then I said what the heck... what's the big deal. Told a couple of colleagues and employees last week at lunch. Those that agree, will agree and support and those that don't well.. to heck with them. This is for me and my health. Like it or Lump it. If someone wants to past judgment on my decision, who cares... I'm sure some of those that do, would love to do the surgery too but don't have the cajones..because they are afraid of what others will say or think, or are terrified of making a positive change in their lifestyle and health choices. Oh well..again, if they don't like it.. C'est La Vie.

Back2Barb... I know that look... like WTH happened to you..and what did you swallow! I'm avoiding my cousin's birthday tonight because I don't want to see that look on people's faces.

That's good to know..keep us posted KeKe!!

Congrats! Yep, it's probably the surgical tape. I had an allergic reaction to it twice when I was in the hospital, it pretty much came from the tape combined with the sweating I was doing. Anti-itch cream helped the best...as did Vitamin E

Most excellent!

Ugh..I understand. Been there. Done that. While in Dominican Republic I saw a couple of resort workers making "grande" curves in the air to one of the fellas that said hello and was nice to me. My feelings were so hurt. I shouldn't have let my friends talk me into traveling there. For the last 8 years, I've always vacationed in Jamaica . The men there love larger women and I felt totally adored and beautiful, but alas it was only vacation and I always had to come back to the reality of my life and health issues.

I was just curious, just got some hair back. I've been through chemo multiplie times and have been completely bald, so only losing some probably ain't so bad :-) Thanks for responding.