You guys!! My surgery was approved without the six month supervised diet period!

So excited, I can't even describe! When the nurse told me I tried to be as civilized as possible, but I was exploding of happiness inside!!!

YAYYYYYY! Can't wait to find out the next step from here.

Read more about this on my blog: http://vvvgastricsleeveafterlife.blogspot.com/

Stay hopeful guys!!! XOXO

VVV

Congrats! Got my approval last week and almost cried. I had completed the 6 month supervised but it was several years ago - insurance accepted it. Here's to seeing less of each other!

Congrats, I took a peek at your blog, really cute!

Thanks Woo woo! Blogging is definitely out of my comfort zone, but so was surgery so...

I am changing my life once and for all!!!

XO

Hi can I ask what insurance you have and what state? Also how long it took to be approved?

Cchapman6 yes you may ask

It is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, through PepsiCo.

Contrary to my doctor's office belief, it turns out that your employer has a lot to do with the procedures the insurance will cover.

For example BCBS premium plan of PepsiCo, might cover this surgery 90% without a 6 month pre-diet period, while BCBS of... Idk... Coca cola , covers it at the same percentage but with a mandatory 6 months.

Hope this helped!

In fact before even finding out the details of my plan, my doctors office immediately made me 6 monthly appointments. I didn't think this was right, so I called and took matters into my own hands. I called my insurance and the first thing they asked was... What client does your insurance come from? I said PepsiCo and she said, oh, then yes, you DO NOT need a six month pre op diet. I communicated this to my docs office, they swore I was freaking insane, and didn't know my ass from my elbow in their business, I asked them to submit it anyways with all other requirements completed (primary doc recommendation, psychologist, nutritionist, endoscopy, etc.) and it was approved within four days... BOOM!

Did you get a chance to speak to the nurse directly? I've been calling but all they say is it's in review

I did get a chance. Tell them that you would prefer I speak with her directly. Remember this service is something you or your spouse pay for, you're the customer

Thank you I will try that right now! They told me they only talk to providers so that's why I didn't push it

I completed a three month dietitian program, it was over the phone and they sent me a informative packet. I actually learned some really good tips and survival instructions for the pre and post op diet and recipes. There is a big difference btw seeing a bariatric dietitian than a typical dietitian or weight loss consultant. This will be a drastic change in your diet unlike any other weight loss challenge, so even if it is not required you might want to look into seeing a bariatric dietitian at least once so you can have the tools and resources to make it easiest for you. I am doing my preop liquid diet right now and it is a challenge, but do able my surgery is for july 23. Best wishes to you :-)