Does anyone on here have BCBS Federal of South Carolina that has been approved for sugery? If so, was it a difficult process? Did you get approved on the first try?

@AKMama-

Hi there. I'm in Washington and I started this whole journey at Puget Sound Surgical Center. I have BCBS FEP. After 9 months, a couple of appeals, and then having to complete the 2011 requirements, I was finally approved. Don't give up! I swear they finally gave in because they were sick of hearing from me. I am now considering going through Virginia Mason in Seattle as it might be cheaper for me if it's done on an inpatient basis. I'm still awaiting price quotes from both facilities, but I do know that 2 surgeons are present for surgery at PSSC and you will be billed as so. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. :-)

Hi, I was so happy to here from someone in Washington. I was talking with I think her name was Karen at Puget Sound. I was quoted around 16 thousand for the sleeve. She called me though and told me that BCBS FED normally wouldn't approve the sleeve because it is still considered exploritory. I think this is bull. So I have just been in limbo now for a while because I can't afford to pay that out of pocket. I haven't ever heard of Virginia Mason, I will have to look them up. Right now I am trying to find a new Dr. up here to do my 6 month monitered diet with. When I told my regular Dr. that I had decided I wanted to look in to a WLS. She was like good luck with that. Not how can I help, I agree - disagree nothing. So I'm really trying not to just give up. It was so nice to hear from someone who understands what I'm going through. Congratulations on getting approved!!! TTYL - Lara

Hi there. I'm in Washington and I started this whole journey at Puget Sound Surgical Center. I have BCBS FEP. After 9 months, a couple of appeals, and then having to complete the 2011 requirements, I was finally approved. Don't give up! I swear they finally gave in because they were sick of hearing from me. I am now considering going through Virginia Mason in Seattle as it might be cheaper for me if it's done on an inpatient basis. I'm still awaiting price quotes from both facilities, but I do know that 2 surgeons are present for surgery at PSSC and you will be billed as so. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. :-)