Hi,

I am new to this site. I was just wondering if any one can share their journey with BCBS of California in getting the approval for the sleeve? What requirements? How long for approval?

I would greatly appreciate any info.

Thank you,

Denise

I have BCBS of California and the process was pretty easy for me. They required either a bmi of 40 or a bmi of 35 with co-morbidities. I got a referral from my primary doctor for the surgery, met with the surgeon twice, the nutritionist twice, had a psych and some pre-op testing. My insurance approved my surgery in 3 days from the date the doctors office submitted the paperwork to them. My first appointment with the surgeon was December 18th and my surgery was March 12th. It could have been earlier, but there were some things I had to take care of before the surgery. The 3 months passed VERY quickly.

Good luck!! Let me know if you have any more questions.

I have BCBS of California. I had a BMI of 41.6 with comorbidities sleep apnea and joint breakdown. I saw the surgeon first time on February 1 of this year, completed all my testing on 3/16, submitted to BCBS on 3/19 and approved 3/26. Had surgery on 4/16 and doing fine. I was told that BCBS is one of the few insurances that is fairly easy to get approval from. Good luck.

thank you so much Meli1234

I have a bmi just below 40. I am going for my sleep apnea test tonight. I have one kidney and had gestational diabetes (gonna test next week if I still have it). My main concern is the 6 month requirement of a supervised diet. I was going to a dietician for the past year but not consecutively. I went every other month or so. I also have doctor records for the past 10 years from my primary physician of my weight struggles. Do you think these two things will help towards the requirement?

Thank you! Thank you for responding means a lot! I want the sleeve so much for me and my kids (to live longer and healthier)

Thanks very much Bubbaloo10!

Wow, that was fast! Great for you glad you were approved and are doing fine! They didn't have you do a 6 month supervised diet?

Thanks again for giving me hope <3

thank you so much Meli1234

I have a bmi just below 40. I am going for my sleep apnea test tonight. I have one kidney and had gestational diabetes (gonna test next week if I still have it). My main concern is the 6 month requirement of a supervised diet. I was going to a dietician for the past year but not consecutively. I went every other month or so. I also have doctor records for the past 10 years from my primary physician of my weight struggles. Do you think these two things will help towards the requirement?

Thank you! Thank you for responding means a lot! I want the sleeve so much for me and my kids (to live longer and healthier)

My BCBS plan didn't require a six month diet. Good luck with the sleep apnea test. That was how I got approved, I got diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and I had a bmi of 37.6

I think the fact that you have your past 10 years of doctors records can't hurt, but hopefully it won't be necessary for you.

thanks Meli1234

maybe this is why I went to do a sleep study. I just don't want to wait six months (only cuz I know how many diet attempts I've had in my life.. and lost), but if I have to.. its all worth it and time does fly

Thanks again for responding