My brother is looking into WLS. His insurance (BCBS of Illinois) requires 5 yrs of medical records showing weight. He only has two years. Will this be a big hinderance in his getting approval?

Any time you go to a DR they weigh you. The lady that deals with my Drs insurance petetions said that any records I could think of to bring them in

emergency room visits

shots at clinic

any sick visits

any thing you can think of where you he has been weighed

it can be from any source not just weight loss efforts

He has only been to the Dr 2 times in the past five years, each for a physical for his job.

I have BSBC and was banded 4/29/10 For the 5 year history I just had to fill out the paperwork and I guessed alot on the dates, diets and weight. They did not ask for actual documentation. They do ask for and need prove of a 6 mos. medically supervised diet in the past year. It does not need to consecutive. I had only 4 mos. and I did that diet with my PCP 6 mos before, so they let me do a 2 mo diet with the Lap Band Dietition. BSBC accepted that. They approved me the very first time my Doctor summited the paperwork. I am in California so hopefully it will be the same. Call BSBC and request the requirments for WLS. They should send you a packet describing exactly what they cover and the requirments. My consult was in Jan and banded 3 mos later. I am still in shock. Good luck, and keep us posted! Feel free to PM me if you have any more ???

Like the above post says they dont really check every detail at firsr. The insurance handler at my surgons office also said if you don't have enough medical proof you can use pictures of yourself over the years most are dated on the paper backing. Work I.D s' Old drivers licence if he kept those. Chances are they wont check into it to much if he really is needing the surgery but its better to send it all in so you have less to worry about.

I had the same insurance and they didnt need proof, they just wanted me to write down dates.

I have bcbs of indiana and I only had three years of med records/dates....and I was approved for surgery in only two days...goodluck!

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help. I'm really hoping he can get approval for the surgery. He's 375lbs and 6'3". Our dad has diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I am (was?) borderline diabetic, which was why I wanted to have surgery. I hope he can get approval, too!

Please tell your brother we are praying for him, and keep us posted. BTW my Doctor said BCBS is the fastest, and easiest insurance to work with. My BMI was 40 with no other medical issues and I was approved in 48 hrs. Good Luck to both of you:thumbup:

I have Blue Cross. They asked for 2 year weight history, or history of attempts to lose weight. I didnt have any of that documented, so I didnt submit it, and I was approved on my first try,