Janushka

Hi,

I can understand how you are feeling. Please first don't call yourself "stupid" Of course this means a lot to you and you would not be having surgery if you were able to control your eating -- so that fact that you over ate is a symptom of you disease -- which is why you are getting the sleeve in the first place -- right?

I believe the Insurance companies have different standards for weight game before surgery but I have heard it is 6 pounds or over -- so really, it sounds like you are OK. You are fantastic -- you are walking toward a new life.

Thanks for the reply. I did call (one hour ordeal) and was able to download the summary for Bariatric Surgery:

"The individual must have serially documented active participation in a non-surgical weight reduction regimen for at least 6 continuous months, in the 2 years prior to surgery, to enable both behavioral changes and adequate assessment of anticipated postoperative dietary maintenance. These efforts must be fully appraised and documented by the physician requesting authorization for surgery"

So, although this has been dropped in some states -- it apparently has not been dropped with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said I needed to choose the State "Ohio" because that was the "Home Office" for my plan.....

Does anyone know if the six-month supervised diet is still a requirement by BCBS in New Jersey? The insurance advisor in my doctors office seems to think so. But I don't see it in the BCBS insurance guidelines. I am anxious to have the sleeve this summer because I can take some time off work.