Hey everyone,

I'm currently in the beginning stages of getting a lap band and I was wanting to know of any issues people have had with BCBS of IL. I've had my initial consultation last week and I have a psych eval, meet with a nutrionist and I get my physical all in one appointment. I was also wanting to know what to expect in this 3 in 1 appointment from everyone I'm going to meet. Thanks!!

I have bcbs of IL and it was approved pretty quickly on my first try. I do have a couple comorbidities (sleep apnea and blood pressure). Good luck to you getting approved. Are you in the Chicago area?

I'm from the Peoria area and going to have it done in Champaign if possible. I have a BMI of 44 and have high blood pressure. I heard of them being pretty quick and getting back to people instead of waiting and waiting.

Well, I hope it goes through easily for you!

Yes I was approved pretty fast by my Blue Cross Blue Shield ***. Yes ***. Im very greatful.

I was approved by bcbsil, the same day my paperwork was fax over. But I had to wait 3 days for my letter, to get my surgery date.

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That's good to know that they are pretty quick. I figured with it being the beginning of the year, it would go smoothly. I'm currently waiting on psych evaluation results and it should be submitted by the end of the week or next. Did BCBS give ya any problems?

No problems from bcbsil

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Yeah hopefully everything goes smoothly. When did you get your approval?

I had no problems with my bcbshmo. The office was great and sent in everything as they were supposed to! I had to do the 6mo pre-op consultations. When I was done with that I scheduled surgery right then after! My surgery costed almost $22,000 and I only had to pay $50 out of pocket! I couldn't believe it. Now I pay a $30 copay everytime I need a fill Good luck!! I am also in IL and had my surgery @ St. James in Chicago Heights, IL.

Thanks Ash for the Info!! I'm having my surgery done in Champaign,IL and I am from Peoria,IL. I'm not sure how much mine is going to be but I heard a ball park number around 14000 since the place I'm going through does there surgeries out patiently. My paperwork is submitted to BCBS as of Wednesday this week and now its a waiting game!!

WOW @ashcap. My surgery bill was 41000 her in Chicago. Good thing I was covered 100% and no copayment for the first 4 months for fills.

I received the bill in the mail and said to myself this cost more than having a c-section. My c-section was 33000 4yrs ago. WOW.

Cripes. The total bills submitted to my insurance totaled $50K. Fortunately I had already met my deductible for the year and only had to meet the remainder if my out of pocket max of $2K so I only had to shell out $895 total. Was banded on 12/21/12 and have yet to pay anything for any of my follow ups or bloodwork. I had my surgery at St. Alexis in Hoffman Estates by Dr. Kane jr. From the Kane bariatric center.

I am in Rockford and was approved twice by bcbsil and they sent a fax back on Tuesday the 16 and I was going to be banded on the 22 the first time it was the day before so best of luck to ya hope all goes well and as planed

I am in Rockford and was approved twice by bcbsil and they sent a fax back on Tuesday the 16 and I was going to be banded on the 22 the first time it was the day before so best of luck to ya hope all goes well and as planed

That's pretty awesome Ashley! I got approved in a week after all my appointment's in the past 3 months. I have surgery on May 22nd.

I am in Rockford and was approved twice by bcbsil and they sent a fax back on Tuesday the 16 and I was going to be banded on the 22 the first time it was the day before so best of luck to ya hope all goes well and as planed

I reread what I said and i wasn't clear they had canceled it saying I was no longer approved both times