CynthiaMcC

St. Alexius with Dr. Wagner ...good luck to you

St. Louis Gal .... congratulations. I also got approved today and am in St. Louis. Where are you having surgery?

Congratulations! I also got approved today ... and am also in St. Louis. Where are you having surgery?

I am really surprised by the approval and speed. I was preparing to self pay, and in talking with the doctor's office decided to try when my insurance changed on 1/1 ... am very glad I waited.

They did not ask for any weight history, and quite frankly, I do not know exactly what is has been. I am at my highest ever, but only a difference of 20 to 40 pounds over the last 3 years.

No co-morbities, but my BMI is 42. Thanks. I hope yours is just as fast!

HI -- I just got approval today and am scheduled for January 31! I am barely a January bandster, but glad to be here. Cynthia

Just a note to say that I received my approval today from Empire. It was amazingly fast. My policy began 1/1 so we had to wait until it was loaded into the system before submitting the paperwork, that happened yesterday, got approval today. Surgery is scheduled for 1/31.

Thanks for the input!

Hi -- I am preparing for surgery and trying to get a handle on exactly what is forbidden post-surgery. I felt like I had read alot, but this forum has been extremely helpful and sparked several other questions. Specifically, what exactly is completely forbidden? I just read that asprin and NSAIDs were ... someone mentioned caffeine? I've resolved myself to giving up my Diet Coke, but no caffeine? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks. Cynthia

Sure ... BMI of 40 + or 35 with co-morbid conditions Patient must have actively participated in weight loss efforts and physician must be apprised of them Physician must confirm the following Patient's psych profile is able to understand, tolerate, and comply with all phases of care and long term follow up patient's post op expectations have been addressed patient has preop medical consultant and is ok for surgery patient has undergone preop psych consult patient has received through explanation of risks, benefits patient's treatment includes pre op and post op dietary eval and nutritional consulting treatment plan includes counseling regarding exercise,psych issues, and availability of supportive materials In reality, this meant a preop visit to an RD, psychologist, and complete physical. According to my doctor's office, Empire usually is not too bad. Our company allows for a choice of providers, so we decided they would be the best option from an insurance requirement perspective. I also switch 1/1 so we will submit everything on the 2nd. Good luck!

Hi -- Just thought I would see if anyone has had experience with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO? I am located in Missouri. According to their requirements, I should qualify, but am just curious about any positive or negative experiences. Thanks. Cynthia

Thanks for the nice comments. My doctor is Dr. Wagner. Cynthia

Hi -- I am embarking on the same journey ... also with Dr. Wagner. Would love to hear both of your experiences. Cynthia

Hi -- I am Cynthia in St. Louis. I've been considering surgery for a year and have finally completedly all of the pre-work for insurance. My insurance changes 1/1/08 so I should know about coverage and have a date in a few weeks. It finally seems real and is exciting, but also scary ... looking forward to this adventure. Cynthia