I am contemplating getting the sleeve. I have BCBSNC and I just wondered how long it has taken some of you to get approved. I am going to a seminar on this coming Wednesday. What should I expect? Does the process begin after the seminar?

Thanks,

greenivy

I went to my seminar in July. By the time I completed all requirements, doc requested approval from my BC plan In Oct, approval was rendered within 5 days & scheduled surgery for first week in Nov. While it may seem like a long time, it really went pretty quick.

Private Sleever

What were some of the requirements? Any regrets thus far?

2 Consults with surgeon

Psyc eval

Upper GI

Arterial blood gases

Pulmonary clearance

sleep study

Chest X-ray

Abdominal US

Labs

Mammogram (if routine wasn't done in past 12 months)

2-3 informational sessions at the WLS clinic ( with nurse and/or nutritionist)

I believe this was all. If I missed anything, it's probably only 1 or 2 other things.

Regrets: NONE WHATSOEVER!!!!!!!!

Private Sleever

Thanks so much for responding!

No problem. Good Luck!

_{the process differs from patient to patient... I only had to do the standard visit with surgeon, dietitian, and psych eval.}

_{the process differs from patient to patient... I only had to do the standard visit with surgeon' date=' dietitian, and psych eval. [/sub']}

_{I had to do the same and the approval was less than 2 days. Obviously policies are different but I do think that bcbsnc as a whole is very easy to work with. Good luck with the whole crazy process!}

Kitaj80

Seems like things moved quickly for you. How long did it take before you had your procedure?

I haven't had my procedure yet... It is schedules for September due to work obligations. but I had my first visit with surgeon on May 23, 2013 then had my dietitian and psych eval on June 6 & 11 got call that I was approved on June 20

PaperBullets

Thanks for your response!

Kitaj80

Congratulations on your approval and good luck with everything!

Hi there I went to the seminar at the end of Feb. and was sleeved at the end of May. I had nutritionist, exercise physiologist, psych, Upper GI series. Some of my "hoops" I jumped through were surgical team mandates and not insurance. It took 2 days to be approved once submitted. Best. Decision. Ever! Good luck!

LeahBsMommy

Awesome! How do you feel? Any regrets?

Also...I know everyone is different but how long were you all out of work?

Also...I know everyone is different but how long were you all out of work?

I took two weeks but that was primarily because I also had a hernia repair and, well, I liked the time off! I work in an office so could have honestly gone back after 3 days.