Hi Everyone,

Just learned for Blue Shield PPO that I need to provide a record for a straight 6 month weight loss program within the last 18 months...I did Weight Watchers but have no records...I fell so depressed now...WHAT CAN I DO?

Did you do weight watchers meetings or online? If you recorded your weight monthly online for 6 months, you could print a record of that from the WW site (or get the records from your meeting leader/secretary). Not sure if that works or not?

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and I had to not only provide 6 months of weight loss but it had to be with a PCP!! Good luck you can do it I thought it would never end and now I am 12 days from surgery =)

I had BCBS and they required the same thing for me. I had to do a 6 month supervised program through my surgeon's office. They do not bend on this requirement. Sign up for the program and just get started. The 6 months will go by quickly.

thanks for your input....so depressed about waiting that I am thinking about paying the $20K out of pocket and use some savings..feeling desperate and can't stand myself or the pain in my body anymore

It's not so bad. Really. I actually switched to Aetna half way through because they only require 3 months. Surgery in 12 days

I have Blue Shield PPO and only had a 2 week preop diet. The whole process from first consultation to surgery was about 3 months...I think that's a record. Maybe I did not have much of a delay because I have been obese since childhood and have diabetes.

Thanks Heather. How are you doing since the surgery?

I have Blue Shield PPO and only had a 2 week preop diet. The whole process from first consultation to surgery was about 3 months...I think that's a record. Maybe I did not have much of a delay because I have been obese since childhood and have diabetes.

Well i have BCBS PPO and i have to do the samething. I go monthly to my surgeons office for weight management and they have been tracking everything for the insurance company. Don't feel discouraged and the six months will fly by. I have my 4th appointment on 8/1/11 and will complete all the insurance requirements by the first week in October. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Thanks Heather. How are you doing since the surgery?

I've had no complications and a pretty typical recovery from surgery. The first month after surgery I lost 30 lbs and then had a 3 week stall. I have now lost about 4 more lbs. Beware of the first stall, it messes with your mind, not just your body!

That happend to me too. If you can contact WW and get records, you are in business,. If not, just start with a physican...my program with my doctor is very laxed. She has to record what I tried and what we talked about. I am in month 3. It is going by quickly.. Good luck.

I have BCBS of Louisiana. They told me NO 6 month wait period 3 different times by 3 different people when I called in to verify coverage from the beginning to check on this. That was February of this year. Then when my WLS office called they said 6 months consecutive visits! My first WLS visit was in May, then I went in June, I didn't go in July because I was moving, but went in Aug, Sept, October. I have a pre-op Nov 17 and surgery penciled in for Dec 7th. There is a chance they will deny me coverage! Even after my WLS told me this I called them and again they said NO 6 month waiting period! This was in August.. Criteria was BMI 35+ with co/morb or BMI 40+. My BMI was 42. Then with all this testing they found 2 co/morbs so I could drop below 40. My co-worker had WLS 2 years ago and did not have a 6 month wait period. I am really upset about this. I have met my max out of pocket because of all this testing and if I have to wait until next year it will cost me another $4,000 out of pocket!!! This sucks out loud!! Anyone else have this kind of thing happen? If I had known this I would have went to that July appt between all the moving. My WLS is sending in for approval this next week. URGH!!!!