TQUAD64

Thanks. I am hopeful.

Well, I am on my way on this long journey! I am scheduled for a 9/23/2008 Pre-Op Surgery Class. And the Alta Bates Bariatric clinic just called and scheduled me for the second orientation class, which is 9/26/2008. Plus, I am scheduled to meet the surgeon, Dr. Kim, on October 8, 2008. The bonus is that Dr. Kim is a female. YAHOO!!! I am almost there. I am sure Dr. Kim will order lots of tests and depending on the results of the test, will recommend or not recommend surgery. If surgery is recommended then we ask BC/BS for approval.

I live in San Joaquin County region, but will have my surgery in Oakland at Alta Bates Hospital. My surgery will be some time this year in 2008.

Every story is different, but here is my information: I have CALPERS BC/BS Net-Value, which covers bariatric surgery. My insurance required that I complete 6-months of verified weight loss with either a doctor or a nutritionist. Plus, a pysch eval. I completed all that and my primary care doctor sent the documentation to the insurance company. The insurance company approved me to see the surgeon at Alta Bates Hospital in Oakland, CA. The surgeon has his own requirements, which include attending a 2-hour educational seminar and a 1.5 hour Pre-Op group seminar. Plus complete the medical history application packet. I have completed all that and I am waiting to meet with the surgeon. The surgeon will decide if I am a good candidate for the procedure and will determine what other tests I need to complete. Then the surgeon submits paperwork to the insurance company for approval of insurance.

I gave up all modesty when I gave birth to my children, which at the time I was flashing in front of everyone who walked by and screaming get them out!!!!

Thank you...That makes sense and seems very fair.

I was apporved to meet the surgeon and attend the Alta Bates required classes in Oakland, CA...But I was under the impression that I am not really approved yet for the surgery...Not sure how I came by that thought. ;-0

Do insurance compies approve you first then you do the pre-op liquid diet? I am curious, because if you lose enough weight during the pre-op liquid diet and it places you under 40 BMI will the insurance still pay for the surgery????

I had the same fears as you. I researched it for several months before I even spoke to my primary care doctor. Now I am getting ready to attend the surgeon orientation classess next week. There is always fear...afterall it is surgery and a big commitment. But for me it is my last hope for a healthy me, since everything else I have tried has failed. Good luck with your decision.

Congrats and good luck!!! I work in an office and sit all day...but I do commute one hour to work and one hour back home...so I am thinking get all the rest I can...Besides this is my vacation to a healthy new life.

This is a great feed question. I was wondering also about the recovery time, so I can plan for work. I know everyone is different but the information is very useful. I am planning to take two weeks off vacation time....I am not telling my job what I am doing...nor am I telling my friends or family.

Hello: My pysch eval consisted of spending maybe 30 minutes speaking to the therapist and then completing 200 questions. That was it...very easy.

Hello in Utah: That is how I am handling it too. My friends, family, and co-workers do not know what I am planning to do. I want to wait. I just have this fear that something will happen...like failing or the procedure is not approved....I just don't want to involve anyone in this. So I totaly know how you feel. :-)

Hello everyone. My journey started over a year ago when I decided to take control of my health. Last year, I began researching different bariatric weight loss surgery procedures, and determined that the lap-band procedure would suite me best. I am 44 years of age, 249 pounds, BMI is 41, and I am 5’5” tall. I have asthma and chronic back pain and fatigue because of thee extra weight. I am 125 pounds over weight, which hurts physically and emotionally. I have BCBS insurance, which requires that I take 6-months of nutrition classes with weigh ins, plus a psyche evaluation. I completed and passed the psyche evaluation. I completed and continue to go to the nutrition classes, as I find the support helpful. BCBS insurance approved me to meet with a surgeon at Alta Bates. The surgeon requires that I attend two orientation classes prior to meeting with him. My first class is Sept. 9 and not sure when the next class is. Anyway, I enjoy reading the threads and learning from other individuals how their journey is going. :crying:

Hi Sherry, I am new to the forum and just starting my journey. It appears that your insurance moved rather quickly in approving you for the surgery. What insurance do you have and how was the surgery? My b-day was August 12th, so I was drawn to your post. :-)