Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Insurance Company Approval????

dar36

Recommended Posts

dar36    5

dar36
Posted

My doctor is sending the letter to insurance today for approval. I have Excellus BCBS. Is it true it takes almost 6 weeks to get a reply? How long did it take everyone to hear from the insurance company?

Thanks!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Lap2Fab    3

Lap2Fab
Posted

I have Anthem BCBS, my paperwork was sent in on Wed. 7/21 and I received my approval letter dated Thurs 7/22 on 7/26! Very impressed with Anthem! I was told it could take weeks too but if they have all that they need, it's much quicker. I was so worried and it ended up being easier than I expected.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

dar36    5

dar36
Posted

Thank you so much. That makes me feel better! I have all sollid documentation so i hope i get my approval soon! I can't wait!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Lap2Fab    3

Lap2Fab
Posted

I was worried too because my BMI wasn't 40, but as long as you have documented comorbidities, it should be fine! What we all have is a disease, it doesn't matter if your BMI is 50 or 35, it's just not healthy. We all just want to enjoy our lives! Let us know how it goes! It's a long process, but I can't even believe I'm on the pre-op diet!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

dar36    5

dar36
Posted

I was worried too because my BMI wasn't 40, but as long as you have documented comorbidities, it should be fine! What we all have is a disease, it doesn't matter if your BMI is 50 or 35, it's just not healthy. We all just want to enjoy our lives! Let us know how it goes! It's a long process, but I can't even believe I'm on the pre-op diet!

That is why I am worried....my BMI wasn't 40, but I have a list of comomorbidities a mile long, which are documented. I don't see why my insurance company wouldn't approve since I meet the requirements, but I guess you never know with insurance companies. I eagerly awai the newst!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Lap2Fab    3

Lap2Fab
Posted

My BMI was 35.8 when it was submitted and I was so nervous that they would not approve it. I too have a laundry list of illnesses. I have not told anyone except my husband that I am having the surgery. I don't feel guilty about keeping it to myself, I think it's a personal choice. Hopefully the weight comes off slowly and I can just say that I'm doing my "small plate diet" (which is just using a salad plate and I lost 60 lbs in the past but gained it back...this time I won't!) I think my friends would be supportive, but I also don't want anyone telling me it was the wrong decision or telling me horror stories. I think it's a huge decision that I haven't taken lightly, I have taken 6 months to learn all that I can, and it's definitely not the easy way out.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

dar36    5

dar36
Posted

My BMI was 35.8 when it was submitted and I was so nervous that they would not approve it. I too have a laundry list of illnesses. I have not told anyone except my husband that I am having the surgery. I don't feel guilty about keeping it to myself, I think it's a personal choice. Hopefully the weight comes off slowly and I can just say that I'm doing my "small plate diet" (which is just using a salad plate and I lost 60 lbs in the past but gained it back...this time I won't!) I think my friends would be supportive, but I also don't want anyone telling me it was the wrong decision or telling me horror stories. I think it's a huge decision that I haven't taken lightly, I have taken 6 months to learn all that I can, and it's definitely not the easy way out.

Obviously, my husband knows and he has been my biggest supporter and biggest fan. I told my two closest friends, and decided I would tell my immediate family, but the responses haven't always been supportive or positive. I agree with not telling anyone and I wish that I didn't tell a few people. This is a huge decision and anyone who hasn't been through what we have does think it is the easy way out. I am sick of people's opinions quite honestly. I should have done this only with my husband, but it is too late now.

I started thinking about this one year ago and decided to start the process in January. I initially had doubts but as the year progessed and the worse my health was getting I know I made the best decision of my life. I am moving forward and not looking back. I am 100 % ready and am totally positive and do not want negativity in my life. It is harmful and unhealthy on so many levles.

I am happy for you and wish you all the best in the world.

Thank you for responding.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

kagead    0

kagead
Posted

I have BCBSIL, my BMI was 40 and I was using a Blue Cross Blue Shield Bariatric Center of Excellence, so they were very familiar with the paperwork requirements.

It took 12 business days to receive approval and I called almost every day. I was very nice and so were the people in the predetermination department, but it still took over 2 weeks.

kagead

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

chriper    0

chriper
Posted

Thank you all for your post. I was concerned about this too. I have my final appointment on 8/19 for my 3 month supervised weight loss attempt then it goes to the insurance company. My BMI is well over 40, and I am on blood pressure meds, but I am concerned over if they are expecting me to lose a lot of weight during this time. My doctor, nutrionist and I have worked hard over the last few years but while I lose inches I don't lose wieght...should I be concerned?

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Beachbunny    5

Beachbunny
Posted (edited)

I was approved by my BCBS in 3 days!

Edited by Beachbunny

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

chriper    0

chriper
Posted

wow that was fast. My policy makes me wait 3 months waiting period it doesn't seem like you had to do that. My consult was 5/20, nutrition 6/3, pysch eval 6/10 and pcp visits 5/24, 6/18, 7/19, and 8/13. Its so drawn out. But your story gives me hope.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

stateofzen    46

stateofzen
Posted

I was approved with BCBS AL in 15 minutes, not kidding. Just this morning, actually! I got a call from my docs office with a question about my insurance and she said she was going to call it in for approval-- called me back 15 minutes later and said she got it and they'd get back to me Monday to schedule the surgery.

It's a little surreal. This time last year I was one month away from finishing my 6 month diet and I found out that my workplace insurance excluded bariatric surgery. I was pretty crushed, and mad at myself for not knowing it sooner but it was probably a blessing in disguise because I got to build some confidence that I could make the changes I needed to succeed. I switched to my husband's insurance, which does cover it, and after procrastinating for another 6 months on finishing the final things (my psych eval, faxing records), I got it in and I'm now approved.

Wee!:rolleyes:

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

chriper    0

chriper
Posted

That's awesome! I know that had to be a relief after your experience last year. I'm curious, did they expect you to lose any weight for approval?

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×