I worked up the nerve to call my insurance company and just ASK. YES, the VSG is covered as long as it is a "medical necessity" and not for cosmetic reasons. That's it. They said the doctor just has to document the necessity. I didn't want to jinx myself and ask about the 6 month supervised diet so I asked if there were any other restrictions or documentation they needed and they said no. Oh how I hope this is true!

I have Empire BCBS in NY.

Congrats! I was initially going to go to Dr. Roslin' date=' he has a good reputation. But then my insurance changed a bit so I decided to stick a little closer to home as it may be a bit cheaper for me to do so. I am going to Dr. Weber at White Plains Hospital. It's a small program but I like him a lot. Also my surgery should happen quickly too, I'm hoping by the end of next month. I have nothing to plan around except work so I can do it anytime really. I can't wait![/quote']

I am also in Yonkers I am going to doctor besler at Columbia he was recommended by my PCP. I decided to work with Lawrence hospital since they were really close by and in network with my insurance

This is embarrassing but I actually used to WORK for Weight Watchers. What a success story huh? LOL! I can get a letter from one of the leaders there stating I attended at different times.

But this brings up a great question. How does anyone prove weight loss efforts? I'm sure there are some people that did stuff on their own or used online programs. How does one get documentation? Maybe if one has a questionable (by insurance standards) weight loss attempt history then an insurance company might request some supervised diet attempts?

Yay an ex-weight watcher worker. I have a question that is only mildly off topic. I have to show a two year BMI of 40+. My problem is that I did not have insurance but I did go to weight watchers. Will they send me a copy of my weigh ins with the date included to prove my BMI? I called 3 weeks ago and the person on the phone 800# said she would mail my weigh in reports but so far nothing. I am thinking she didnt know what she was talking about because I have not received any documentation. Any advise you can give would be appreciated. Thanks!

Yay an ex-weight watcher worker. I have a question that is only mildly off topic. I have to show a two year BMI of 40+. My problem is that I did not have insurance but I did go to weight watchers. Will they send me a copy of my weigh ins with the date included to prove my BMI? I called 3 weeks ago and the person on the phone 800# said she would mail my weigh in reports but so far nothing. I am thinking she didnt know what she was talking about because I have not received any documentation. Any advise you can give would be appreciated. Thanks!

Go to where you went to meetings they maybe able to request your file.

I worked up the nerve to call my insurance company and just ASK. YES' date=' the VSG is covered as long as it is a "medical necessity" and not for cosmetic reasons. That's it. They said the doctor just has to document the necessity. I didn't want to jinx myself and ask about the 6 month supervised diet so I asked if there were any other restrictions or documentation they needed and they said no. Oh how I hope this is true!

I have Empire BCBS in NY.[/quote']

I have HBCBS Nj and when I first inquired, last June, they did require a 6 month medically supervised diet. weight watchers was approved, so I joined up to get rolling. By the time I met w my surgeon in August, they dropped that requirement. Hopefully, the same is true for you! Good luck!!