Hi there! I'm new to this and just filled out all the paper work and just called my insurace company today (BCBS of MIch). Was told surgery is approved but have to have 6 months (consecutive) of weight management before I can do the surgery. Has anyone else had to do this? How does it work? What is the insurance looking for with this? Just to see that you've tried to do it yourself or what?

Haven't gone in for the initial Dr's visit yet. They called yesterday, now just waiting for them to return my phone call back so we can get the ball rolling!

I'm with BCBS of Mississippi state and we have to participate in a six month weight management program also before receiving our surgery date. The way it works for me is for 3 months I'm assigned a life coach who with discuss healthier eating habits to get you on the right track. It's done over the phone and lasts about 30 mins. The next 3 months you will be assigned a Bariatric nurse who will walk you through preop and post op stuff. Also during the last 3 months you are getting everything u need done for surgery. Not hard at all. My husband is getting sleeved with me and we are hoping for the first of October.

Fellow Midwesterners! Good luck and don't give up. It is going so fast! Only 8 weeks until my surgery!

I have MI BCBS and I had to see my primary physician every month for 6 mos. I even had to start over once after 2nd month!! BC wants documentation that the person is trying to lose weight and committed to making changes.

Hello everyone, I also have to see the nutritionist for 6 month. I'm 3 months down and I have 3 months to ago. I'm nervous and excited to get the sleeve.

Hello everyone' date=' I also have to see the nutritionist for 6 month. I'm 3 months down and I have 3 months to ago. I'm nervous and excited to get the sleeve.[/quote']

Hi! Do you have a date, yet? I am so excited, too!

My nutritionist is saying that I may have my surgery at the end of June or the beginning of July. I go see my surgeon next month to see how am doing with the nutritionist, maybe he will talk more about surgery.

Me too! Where abouts?

Columbus, Ohio ...you?

Columbus, Ohio ...you?

Same! What side of town?

Hilliard....you?

Hi all, I just received an informational letter from my insurance BCBS. They explain everything that needs to be done in order for the surgery to be covered. I was told that I would have to go through a 6 month weight management program. A little disappointed but hey not a problem...let's do what I gotta do to get the ball moving! So in the letter it says that the weight management is waived if the patient's BMI is over 50. Normally a BMI like that sucks and yes it still does...last time I weighed myself I believe I was 297 at the Dr. and I can say with all certainity it didn't go down especially during the winter! If I'm over 300lbs which I assume I am!! That would mean my BMI is 51.5 ..So hopefully that means I can get moving on this even quicker. Not sure yet but that would be good news. The thought of waiting 6 months drives me nuts! I'm just so excited to move forward! The lady at the hospital keep playing phone tag with each other so my first appt STILL isn't scheduled. I was going to call today and then my Mom called and talked to me for an hour and I missed the window of time that the patient coordinator is in the office...ugh. Oh well I talked to my Mom!

Hilliard....you?

Near Canal WInchester......what surgeon are you using?

Brad Needleman with OSU

I finally got my initial visit scheduled for this Friday!!!! Ok, now my question is....what happens during the initial visit?

I finally got my initial visit scheduled for this Friday!!!! Ok, now my question is....what happens during the initial visit?

I'm sure that each doctor is different. I had a consultation with the nurse, a psych eval, measurements, weight and the first of my 6 monthly visits with the nutritionist. A few days after that I had a phone call with the insurance coordinator. I am now waiting out the 6 months. Halfway there!