I called BCBS federal and was told yes, the sleeve is covered. Now my surgeon's office says it isn't covered and I have to go with the bypass. I don't want the bypass---I think the sleeve is a better solution for me. Anyone have sleeve covered with BCBS federal ins?

I have BCBS State plan and the sleeve was covered. make them call your ins. company again.

I have federal bcbs and was approved. Dr stated in letter I was getting sleevedm there r several people on the boards that have federal and got approved!

U might want a new surgeon. R they trying to push ur towards RNY?

I have BCBS Federal and mine was completely covered. I would either have a meeting with your coordinator or switch Drs. I wouldn't let the dr force you into a surgery you don't want.

I have BCBS Federal and have been recently approved for sleeve.

I, too, have BCBS federal and got approved in less than 24 hours. My sleeve surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, the 11th. Is there some reason, other than misinterpretation of the insurance policy, that your doctor wants you to have bypass over sleeve?

No, they were mistaken---I think. I called bc/bs yesterday. They said the only wording stated "restrictive surgery" for wls. That includes the sleeve. I got the billing codes and stuff and called the clinic back. The ins person is submitting it as a sleeve---woohoo. Now to wait to get approved. Thanks for replying. I'm excited. I can't wait.

BTW, all the people in the office---I've seen a PA, nutritionist, & reg MD---not surgeon yet---they all believe that the bypass is the GOLD standard of surgery. More successful and more data is available. I don't want the bypass for many reasons---wls is a tool and I think the sleeve will be the better fit for me. Probably many of the same reasons you all went with it. Now, hopefully the ins co will approve it and I can move on with my life.

Glad you were able to get everything straightened out. Good luck on your upcoming surgery, whenever it is!