SammiSosa

Mine took a few weeks but only because all the paper work was not submitted maybe 3 weeks or 4 but I called everyday just about! The insurance company told me that they have to tell you it takes 30 days to get a answer but it shouldn't she said. Good luck

I found out today that I have been approved for bariatric surgery!!!! I have been calling the Anthem pre-authorization line to check on my status for the last 4 days and I finally received clearance today. Hip hip hooray!!!! They confirmed that they received my paperwork on 1/26 so the review took about 6 business days.
I just wanted to write a post because I, like many others, struggled with understanding the 6 month weight loss requirements in my policy. Basically the policy states you have to have 6 months of documented weight loss attempts in the previous 2 years.
I am 5'4, 260 lbs w/ a BMI of 44 (also a 33 y/o female). When I visited my doctor (Dr. Jossart in San Francisco) I provided him an chronological outline of my past diets (Atkins, Paleo, HCG, Weight Watchers) and exercise efforts (half-marathon, Cross-fit, personal training, boot camps). None of these activities were medically supervised. Although I do not have any comorbidities, we also went through all of my various ailments (depression, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, rashes, etc.). I am not 100% sure what he wrote in my referral, but it worked!! All I can say is: there are no guarantees, but have faith in your surgeon!
12/18 - first contact w/ doctor's office - scheduled consult
12/27 - psych evaluation ( I got a head start due to the long lead time for my apt)
01/22 - bariatric surgeon and nutritionist consultation
01/26 - Insurance received paperwork
02/02 - Insurance approval
TBD - surgery date
Good Luck!!!!

I'm hopefully going to be April... Just waiting on insurance approval right now. I have a blog, bariatricbeautyblog.wordpress.com and i found its a great way even if no one reads it. to kind of talk about my experience and let things out. Good Luck on your surgery!