So I just got home from an informational presentation by my surgeon and she has indicated that unfortunately there is a good chance that my insurance will not cover the VSG. I have Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield. Needless to say I am a bit bummed, I really wanted the VSG due to the fact that I have chronic headaches and take Advil quite a bit - which I will not be able to do with the RNY.

Does anyone else out there have Federal BCBS? Were you able to get approved?

While RNY is not out of the question - I just kind of had my heart set on VSG.

My husbands cousin had her sleeved approved through Federal BCbS last year.I think her doctor was Dr.Strickler in Charleston wv.I will ask her and make sure and get back to you on that but she works for the Board of Education so im sure its BCBS federal..

I have BCBS but with State and it did not cover my surgery. They did just approve to start covering WLS but only for the actual employee not spouse or family members. I just got a zero interest credit card and paid for the surgery and hope to pay it off within the year or so.

Kooter - thanks I would really appreciate that!!!

My husband is in the military so I am assuming it is the same kind of insurance, but I don't know. I'm going to call first thing in the AM. Someone else posted that as long as it's listed as "medically necessary" (duh!!!) then it should get approved. At least hers did.

I have federal BCBS. I am going to have VSG, they told me that it would cover VSG. Also, my friend who is under her husband's plan had Federal BCBS and she underwent VSG. Talk to your insurance company, they will give you more answers.

Hi WVLoser! I have federal BCBS Basic (administered by Wellmark Iowa) and they approved my VSG upon first submission and within about 2 weeks. I will be having surgery on September 1st. PM me with any questions! Good Luck!

I have it and had no problems whatsoever. When I went to my informational meeting, they told me that BCBS Federal was one of the easiest companies to work with! They have certain things they want: complete physical , psyche report etc. but they approved me for lap band and sleeve. I also think if your primary care writes it up that you are morbidly obese with a high BMI that helps too.

OMG - just got off the phone with my insurance and the sleeve is listed as an "approved procedure"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOOOOOOO!!! Thank you so much to everyone who commented and offered words of advice. What an awesome resource this site has been. I know this is just the beginning of the ups and downs that this roller coaster will provide. Next step - all of the inital testing to get formally approved!

SORRY.I just got back to you..I JUST FOUND out Federal was approving too by my Dr.Office so that is great news..Keep us updated...I totally forgot to get back with you on that.SO happy for you..I think they recently just started approving it.WHO IS YOUR doctor?

Dr. Carol McCloskey - Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh. They are suppose tocall this week so there is a chance I might get in to see her soon. I hope so ~ I would love to have a November surgery date!!! How are things progressing with you? Meet with the surgeon yet, date yet???

I have federal bcbs and I have been approved for a band to sleve revision 9/14 in Nashville. No problem to get approved and a date w/in a week.

I'm having mine in Murfreesboro 9/1. I work for the M'boro VA. Who do you work for and where are you having your surgery? (Vanderbilt? LOL)

Edited August 24, 201016 yr by branc1

Centennial actually. I went to school at Vanberbilt though.

Hey Branc1 - I work for the VA in Poplar Bluff, MO. I am supposed to be called in a couple of days to get a tentative surgery date. I can't wait. Good luck on your up in coming surgery.

I have Federal BCBS of Kansas City. From the informational seminar until approval took me about 3 months. I had a psych eval, met with a dietician, physical therapist and had a EGD in that time frame. Once I got my approval, was surgery was scheduled for 3 weeks later. Two weeks before surgery I had lab work, EKG, and chest X-ray in the same day. Please keep in mind my surgeon is very much in demand and I think that's why it took so long. Because we all know once we go to a seminar and have made up our minds that the sleeve is what we want...... we want it NOW.

Good luck to all and best wishes!!!! :wave:

Deb

My husband works for the postal service/fed bcbs and basically, since I WAS FED BCBS my doctor went ahead and scheduled my VSG first! Had surgery 6/2 and had no problem. no pre-op diet, no psyche eval, nothing!