Phranp

As soon as this is over I have every intention of calling the commissioner. I also have the BCBS side of my ins getting in contact with the Blue Cross of California to get some answers since they supposedly have been having this battle with Surgery Center of Santa Monica for 2 years. They should never have approved the facility knowing that the Center would not honor their contract.

Thanks for the advice.

My surgery was set for June 1st. It has now been cancelled. Why? Because Blue Cross of California refuses to pay what the Surgery Center of Santa Monica asks for, so the Surgery Center flatly refused to do my surgery. I only found this out on Monday when my doc office called to tell me. Blue Cross of California pays less than a third of what the surgical center asks.

It was hard for me to phathom how they could be contracted with BC and then REFUSE to fulfill their contract.

So, if there is anyone out there that has BCBS/Blue Cross of California be absolutely sure that the surgical center will accept your insurance. I am scrambling to find another surgeon (the surgical center was the only place my doc performs his surgeries) and a new facility. I need to do it fast or I will have to pay to have my pre-op stuff done again.

Be warned!

Fran

My surgery in on June 1st. I am anxious and excited! Started a weight loss eating program yesterday ... so far, so good. Water aerobics tonight, that should be fun.

Congrats to everyone!

I finally have my surgery date, June 1, 2009!! I am excited and anxious. I so look forward to getting my health back. I have many co-morbidities and they are sucking the life out of me. I want to live life abundantly. God only knows why it took me so long to realize this is what I needed. But I am thankful just the same.

I have begun a low carb/sugar/fat diet so that I will be in good shape for the surgery and I start a Water aerobics class tomorrow. I am soooo excited.

Can someone tell me how to add the bar that charts your progress, please? Any other advice you might think is helpful is definitely welcome!

Many thanks!

Hi, I'm new here. Hope someone can help, I am becoming very anxious. I called my doc office today and was told that BCBS is giving my application for the lapband surgery "further review". Should I call the insurance company or should I just wait? I have several comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, asthma, spinal stenosis, arthritis in my knees and hips, BMI=40, 150 lbs overweight.

BCBS requires six months weight loss supervision by a medical professional. I have been doing this with my therapist. I keep a personal journal AND a food journal tracking my weight and my feelings. I am not sure if BCBS will accept this. Anyone out there have their weight supervision in a non-traditional way?

I appreciate any information you can give me.

Thank you.

LMAO @ IWalktheline!

Thanks. Good to know. I will though, try to stay on the pre-op diet ... I'll have my hamburger (and maybe a burrito too) 2 weeks before the pre-op ... lol

Thanks HeatherO, I'm sorry to hear that they might night accept my therapist report. She is a PhD and specializes an Obesity Medicine. We have been working on changing the foods I eat as well as food portions in addition to food diaries and jounals. All that work just to have to spend another six months with someone with a "more acceptable" title (i.e., "nutritionist") geeezzzzz ... oh well, it is what it is.

Thanks.

Thanks to you both for your responses. Seems my pre-op diet will be at the choice of my surgeon, but it appears it will be a drastic claorie reduction either way.

I will continue to think positive and to put aside my anxiety. I really do want this. I MUST change my life and improve my health.

Again, thanks much. These message boards are lifesavers!

F

I have seen on these threads something about a "pre-op diet". Can someone tell me what that's about and how long you have to be on it before the surgery?

I have the initial consultation with the surgeon on Monday the 23rd. I am very anxious about this.

Thanks.

Thanks Tquad, 6 months seems a very long time but your explanation of all that I will learn and how it will help me prepare really does help. I am a little anxious, scratch that, I am a LOT anxious ... lol about having the surgery. And thanks for the heads up about my docs requirements, I will be sure to ask him Monday.

I have finally found a doctor that is under my insurance -- 3rd times a charm. :-)

I hope to have my surgery in 4-6 weeks but that will all depend on my insurance. I have BCBS, and they require six months of some kind of diet program. I hope that the time with my therapist will do. I really do not want to wait six months. I have many health problems related to my weight and I am tired of being in poor health.

I am glad this forum is here. I have been reading posts and everyone seems very helpful and informative.