Newbie Here, Chicago, Il

[lilly11781 29]

Hi All:

I have been following this forum for awhile while I was doing my research on the gastric sleeve procedure. This site was so helpful I decided to become a member and this is my first post. I have finished all of the requirements for my insurance and I am just waiting on their decision. If I am approved my surgery will be August 1st. I can't wait to join the rest of you on the losers bench.

Lara

Chicago, IL

[Crichard1107 28]

Welcome!! I have also just finished all requirements for my insurance as well and the doctor has submitted to my insurance company for approval on friday. What insurance do you have? I have CIGNA.

[mmarie 1]

Welcome!! I have also just finished all requirements for my insurance as well and the doctor has submitted to my insurance company for approval on friday. What insurance do you have? I have CIGNA.

How long did the process take? I'm approved by my PCP and going to my seminar June 9th.

[lilly11781 29]

Welcome!! I have also just finished all requirements for my insurance as well and the doctor has submitted to my insurance company for approval on friday. What insurance do you have? I have CIGNA.

Hello! I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. My doctor's office didn't think I should have any problems getting approved because I meet all of the requirements but you never know these days. I wish you luck while you wait! Do you have a tentative surgery date?

[Crichard1107 28]

Well depending you your insurance requirements. When I first started my journey CIGNA they required a 6 month medically supervised diet and at month 5 1/2 they changed their policy and only required 3 months and my 6 month visit would have been on June 1st and that is when they filed with the insurance. So from start to filing exactly 6 months.

[Crichard1107 28]

Hello! I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. My doctor's office didn't think I should have any problems getting approved because I meet all of the requirements but you never know these days. I wish you luck while you wait! Do you have a tentative surgery date?

The insurance company said that the doctor's office said that they want to do it on the 28th so we shall see.

[mmarie 1]

The insurance company said that the doctor's office said that they want to do it on the 28th so we shall see.

I'm hoping because I have already six months of failed diet from PCP I will not have to wait the six months ... My sister is getting surgery done in August and hoping we can do this process together for support.

[lilly11781 29]

The insurance company said that the doctor's office said that they want to do it on the 28th so we shall see.

Good Luck! Sounds like your journey has been much longer than mine. By the time I decided to go ahead with this process BCBS had already dropped the 6 month pre-diet requirement. I went to the information seminar on April 5th. So it has taken me almost 2 months to get my requirements done and submitted.

[chitowngirl 885]

Hello my fellow Chicagoan. Welcome, I also have bcbs, my surgery was approved relatively quickly, as long as all the correct information is submitted. Where are you having your surgery??

[lilly11781 29]

Hello my fellow Chicagoan. Welcome, I also have bcbs, my surgery was approved relatively quickly, as long as all the correct information is submitted. Where are you having your surgery??

Hello! I will be having my surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital. Where did you have your surgery done? Do you know how long exactly it took to get your approval from BCBS?

[sexysleever 93]

Hello all.... I'm in Chicago also.... My date is July 12 with Dr Cahill at little co of Mary .... I have bcbs federal

[chitowngirl 885]

I had my procedure at university of Chicago with Dr Prashad. I got my approval with in a week, however if your doctor has already submitted the info call bcbs customer service they will let you know the status of your request.

[BKMama 179]

Hi! I'm in Chicagoland (western burbs). I'm waiting on approval from BCBS, but it's because the insurance coordinator is not great. They've had my pre-cert for 3 weeks now but it isn't ready for review because they keep finding things she missed, then she takes her time sending it in.

I hope you get a speedy approval! I've heard as little as 2 days for some. :-)

[sexysleever 93]

Hi! I'm in Chicagoland (western burbs). I'm waiting on approval from BCBS' date=' but it's because the insurance coordinator is not great. They've had my pre-cert for 3 weeks now but it isn't ready for review because they keep finding things she missed, then she takes her time sending it in. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

I hope you get a speedy approval! I've heard as little as 2 days for some. :-)[/quote']

U know that u can switch all your paperwork to another doctor before approval.... My coordinator had mine done within a week and approval four days after that

[lilly11781 29]

I had my procedure at university of Chicago with Dr Prashad. I got my approval with in a week, however if your doctor has already submitted the info call bcbs customer service they will let you know the status of your request.

How was it having your surgery at the University of Chicago? That is so weird because I work at the University of Chicago but decided to my sugary at St. Joseph's because it is closer to my home. I live on the north side of the city, also when I met the surgeon I knew right away he would do a good job.