Beginning my very confusing journey alone. Family and friends bewildered at my choice and less than supportive. husband supportive but also, doesn't truly understand why I cnt just work out. figuring out all the requirments and paperwork and which dr to use and all...hard to do alone. someone to chat with would be nice. I feel like a deer in head lights. ready to do this but also in need of some support...

Hey! I am pre-op in Arkansas. When are you attending the seminar? Dr. Baker is my surgeon and I would highly recommend him. I have worked in medical financial services for several years, and I will be happy to help you work through the red tape.

Hey! I am pre-op in Arkansas. When are you attending the seminar? Dr. Baker is my surgeon and I would highly recommend him. I have worked in medical financial services for several years' date=' and I will be happy to help you work through the red tape.[/quote']

I went to a seminar in little rock with dr. Paul. Ive been a nervous mess about all the paperwork bc diff peope tell me diff things! i even heard 2 diff requirment lists from insurance ughhh

I live in Arkansas but I'm having my surgery in Mexico. When I started considering the sleeve I called BCBS customer service and asked about the requirements for them to cover the surgery and they reviewed them with me. Federal BCBS raised their BMI requirements this year so I didn't qualify. I did some research and opted for Mexico. I'm scheduled for August 12th! Anyway, I'm on and off here if you want to chat!

I live in Arkansas but I'm having my surgery in Mexico. When I started considering the sleeve I called BCBS customer service and asked about the requirements for them to cover the surgery and they reviewed them with me. Federal BCBS raised their BMI requirements this year so I didn't qualify. I did some research and opted for Mexico. I'm scheduled for August 12th! Anyway' date=' I'm on and off here if you want to chat![/quote']

What Dr. are you going with in Mexico? I know you're excited.

What Dr. are you going with in Mexico? I know you're excited.

Ariel Ortiz. I am excited! August just can't get here soon enough!

I wish I could just self pay and go to Mexico. I just cant afford it. Im praying that my insurance covers. What was your BMI that you didn't qualify if you don't mind me asking?

I wish I could just self pay and go to Mexico. I just cant afford it. Im praying that my insurance covers. What was your BMI that you didn't qualify if you don't mind me asking?

36. I can't remember what their requirement was now. I know they require the 6 month supervised diet and psych consult.

I went to a seminar in little rock with dr. Paul. Ive been a nervous mess about all the paperwork bc diff peope tell me diff things! i even heard 2 diff requirment lists from insurance ughhh

Have you contacted the human resources rep at your husband's employer? They usually have a good contact at the insurance company that can provide the requirements. The most important thing is to get the requirements in writing, this will help you tremendously if insurance tries to deny for any reason.

yea mine is hovering between 41 and 39.8. and when I called and asked about requirements, the woman told me they don't NEED the diet. which to me is a bit confusing because I thought it was black and white. I didn't know they could just drop things for certain people. ugh. anyway, im waiting for the surgeons office to get a REAL list so I can start on them.

Have you contacted the human resources rep at your husband's employer? They usually have a good contact at the insurance company that can provide the requirements. The most important thing is to get the requirements in writing, this will help you tremendously if insurance tries to deny for any reason.

I actually haven't called hr. I didn't know they could help! where I stand now my issue is, if I have to do the 6 month diet, ill lose "too much" weight to get approved anyway. so im a little stressed about the whole thing. im taking one step at a time. the surgeons nurses were very sweet and said they would get the list faxed of what I need so I have it in writing. but anyone have any advice as to how to avoid losing enough to lose my chance of surgery, but not enough to be normal sized? ughhhhh lol what a mess

How frustrating!! I'm sure your doc's office is used to working with the different insurance companies and know which hoops to jump through. I wish you the best!

thank you!

you are not alone, we are here to support yo

Thank you

I'm in Ark too. Using Dr. baker. I've met with his nutritionist in his office, and have begun my pre-op requirements. My insurance requires the six month doctor advised weigh-ins, etc. but as I understand it, even if I should lose 20+ lbs., they go from your weight at your initial weigh-in. My BMI is 40 so I had that question too. There are also pre-op surgery support groups through Baptist Hospital in LR...you might check to see if your doctor's program is included in these. It's a lot of information to digest, but my insurance provider has been very helpful.