PearlyQ

Yes, I live in Kansas.

Thanks ceyanne!

I am considering Dr Lancaster in Wichita KS for my gastric sleeve. I'm looking for feedback on what others' experiences have been with him or anyone else in his surgical group.

He was my surgeon too, but I'm switching to Dr. Lancaster now. He made a mistake and he's still a good person...I just wouldn't be comfortable having him do my surgery.

Hi jukerr. How do you like Dr. Lancaster?

He was my surgeon too, but I'm switching to Dr. Lancaster now. He made a mistake and he's still a good person...I just wouldn't be comfortable having him do my surgery.

Hi jukerr. I am having the sleeve done by Dr Lancaster in about a month. How are things going for you?

He was my surgeon too, but I'm switching to Dr. Lancaster now. He made a mistake and he's still a good person...I just wouldn't be comfortable having him do my surgery.

Hi jukerr. I am having the sleeve done by Dr Lancaster in about a month. How are things going for you?

I'm in Wichita. Gonna be sleeved on 12/16 at Wesley by Dr. Lancaster. Started liquid diet 12/3. So Excited!!

Hi Ceyanne. I am having the sleeve done by Dr Lancaster in about a month. How are things going for you?

Yes, it's true. The 6-month requirement was added in January.

My surgeon's office called Anthem again, and spoke with someone in the department that does the surgery approvals. They confirmed that the policy change will apply to me, and that I will have to go through 6 months of medically supervised dieting. Ugh!! Very disappointed as I was looking forward to having surgery in March or April.

Good to hear that you were finally approved for the surgery under the new insurance. Why did Anthem BCBS of OH deny you? Just wondering because I am feeling a little uneasy dealing with them so far.

Hi. I'm new to Bariatric Pal. What ended up happening with your insurance? Did they finally approve? I have the same insurance company but haven't gotten to the approval part yet.

I was glad to find this thread. I've been wondering about this too. My doctor's office called Anthem the first part of January and they were told there is no requirement for a 6-month regimen. I called a few days ago and was told the same thing. Afterwards I stumbled across this policy revision on the Internet, and now I'm worried I will have to wait 6 more months for surgery. I have asked my surgeon's office to contact Anthem again about this. Will post again once I hear something back.

Excited and nervous! Just received the call from BCBS Anthem advising that VSG surgery was APPROVED! It was submitted on 1/21/15 and approved today 1/26/15 3 DAYS!!!! The contacted me by phone to advise that the surgery was approved and informed me that I will be receiving an approval letter in the mail with the next 5-7 business days. The also advised that the approval letter was faxed over to my doctor's office. I was provided a approval reference number as well if I needed to callback before receiving the letter. I was informed that they also provide Bariatic Case Mgmt thru my plan at no cost and a Nurse Case Manager will be contacting me in the next few days to assist me with the process. Now the downside..... I have to pay a $1500.00 deductible, $300.00 coinsurance and 30% of total charges with a out of pocket max of $5000.00 which means I will not pay over 5000.00 for all services. Now I have to meet with the surgeon to schedule a date.

Slimmingup38, congratulations on the quick approval. Did you have to complete 6 months of diet/nutrition supervision before BCBS Anthem would approve you?