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Anyone have Blue Cross Alabama?



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Policy states BMI 35 or > with 1 comorbidity for 3 yrs, does taking metformin count even if its for increased Insulin and not glucose?

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My bc of Alabama just had to have three years previous weights and current health issues like hypertension, diabetes etc.

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Where in Alabama are you from? I started out with a Dr in Anniston but wasn't getting much help kind of like I was doing it all on my own and when I had everything together then he'd do my surgery. Since have switched to Dr in B' ham and was approved the same day and now scheduled for surgery Feb 15th

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I'm in North Alabama just South of Huntsville. I work in Huntsville so I'm seeing Dr Foreman there. I did talk to the group in Birmingham though, and I have to say over the phone they seemed more helpful! If I get rejected, I may switch to that group. It's only a little over an hour away. Does that group make you do a metabolic cart and h pylori test?

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No they have everything there in the office and you have all your visits with the dr and anyone on same day. They will put as many appts together as possible to keep u from having to travel. I'm in Anniston

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I had my 3yrs weights and my 6 month dirty plan and I was approved in 15 minutes. After getting the run around here in anniston

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Wow, I'm just hoping this office doesn't get my $550 out of pocket and leave me hanging! Thanks for the input ill keep them in mind! Oh, and did you meet the 40 BMI or 35 with comorbidity for the 3 yrs?

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Yes I did. I went into the office with no expectations of being approved that day. Bc had said it would take up to 4 weeks. They really have it together and are really wanting you to succeed!

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I'm in North Alabama just South of Huntsville. I work in Huntsville so I'm seeing Dr Foreman there. I did talk to the group in Birmingham though' date=' and I have to say over the phone they seemed more helpful! If I get rejected, I may switch to that group. It's only a little over an hour away. Does that group make you do a metabolic cart and h pylori test?[/quote']

I used Dr Foreman. Kathy will make sure you have what you need to get approved. I was sleeved 12/19/12 and doing great! Down 41 since then!

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Oh that's a big comfort to know! Thanks! I go the 22nd for surgeon and dietician visit. I'm only 2 months into my 6 month supervised diet, but maybe they can Tell me something :)

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Oh that's a big comfort to know! Thanks! I go the 22nd for surgeon and dietician visit. I'm only 2 months into my 6 month supervised diet' date=' but maybe they can Tell me something <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />[/quote']

I have BCBS al as well. I did what they asked and was approved with no problem. The only issue is they actually can't ask for your approval until you complete all prerequisites, so it makes you a bit nervous. My friend is an OR nurse and she really thinks highly of them.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

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well, I went for visit yesterday and Kathy told me I would have to get pictures from the last 3 years for her to submit and weight in for 7 months straight. I sure hope the photos work or Im out of luck! :(

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Anyone have updates on their status? I'm just getting started and have BCBS of Alabama. My BMI was 40.9 as of my initial surgeon's consultation. I go for a sleep apnea test on April 9th. I have not had the BMI at 40+ over the last 3 years, and my co-morbidities are iffy... pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, knee pain & surgery. I sure hope this sleep apnea test will qualify me!

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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