HI! I am new here:) I will be joining BCBS Illinois in feb and will be jumping their hoops to have VSG. I came across this in my research today and am wondering what your thoughts are, or if anyone else has read related info.

it states that BCBS (Illinois, tx, OK, NM) has decided in conjunction with HCSC (their parent company) and ASMBS (american society of metobolic and bariatric surgery) to eliminate the pre operative 6 mth diet requirment. It states that it was announced on sept. 21, 2011. I have called bcbs and they say they have no knowledge of that policy change. HOWEVER... i have read a ton on this board and it appears that many people didnt know in febuary that they would be making the policy change from 3 mth diet to 6 mth diet that was done in march. AND in sept of 2010 people had no idea that VSG would become a covered surgery in Oct. so it seems like maybe you wont know about the policy change until it happens. thats what im hoping for. i will do this however i have to, but it would be amazing to not have to wait the 6 mths.

http://asmbs.org/2011/12/hcsc-removes-mandatory-pre-operative-weight-loss-requirement/

thoughts?

tricia

I was denied 3 years ago bc I didn't have documentation of supervised weight-loss attempts (Weight Watcher's, TOP'S, Jenny Craig) or even weigh-ins at a doctor's office. Our insurance changed, still bcbs, different "of" state. This time, it didn't affect the outcome. The criteria was different - and it wasn't necessary. (YAY! - because i was not able to regularly attend a wl group.) Each bcbs division has their own policy, I have been told. They don't have universal requirements for pre-approval. That doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, but it is what it is. If you speak with a representative, they will gladly send you a copy of their requirements, in much greater detail, than your coverage booklet. Good luck to you!

Carefirst BCBS Maryland

anybody have any experience with them I am getting ready to begin this journey

I have BCBS of MN and just received approval for the sleeve!!! I had to complete the 6-month supervised diet with fitness and psych eval. Also had to see my pulmonologist and do a 2-week at home sleep study and of course be cleared for surgery.

Back when I started this process in the spring of 2011, BCBS of MN still considered the sleeve "investigational" and would not cover it, while other BCBS providers were approving it! My insurance coordinator through the surgeon's office said policies are changing all the time and to keep going with what the insurance companies require, because by the time you are done, it will most likely be approved!

Good luck to you