BC/BS MI - Time Frame & Requirements Questions and more!

[Butterfly512 115]

I have blue cross blue shield of michigan thru my husband's employer, my bmi is 35 with some other health issues, and I am told by the bariatric surgeons office that it's the best insurance to have, she said we can "work around" the 6 month diet requirement before surgery and told me to write on paper documenting all the diets I have tried over the years, maybe that will suffice for the 6 month requirement? Does bcbsmi still even require that?

Plain & simple..I am anxious, not just to get the wls but being in limbo and waiting just makes me deal with the stress of my weight problem, bad eating habits & failing diets even longer..and actually my stupid mentality about it causes me to just want to wait until my preop diet and surgery to start the process of trying to lose weight, therefore I eat like a dummy in the meantime, feel like crap and the vicious cycle goes on for now. Idk if anyone can relate?

From what I can gather, it might be around 1 month before I can get my procedure done..not bad of course ..I just hope nothing holds it up or goes wrong, my primary dr is already giving me the impression that he'll take his sweet time getting the letter of medical necessity letter (whatever it's called) & cardiac clearance together for me :-/

Between wanting this chapter and change for the better to happen sooner than later in my life..and the fact that I am in my mom's wedding in june, summer activities are coming ..etc. I want to recover and get my new journey and goal started without interfering with it all.

I was very pregnant during last summer lol..I want to enjoy this one with the family!

So..I need advice on the insurance, time frame to get surgery, and any of the other stuff I rambled on about lol

Thanks :-)

[Jersrose43 837]

Don't set yourself up for immediate disappointment. It could be a full 6 months. Call bcbsmi on Monday and get the full information from them directly based on the employer plan

[brandnewending 4]

Hi Butterfly512-

I am also in a similar situation. I also have BC/BS MI, They did enforce the 6 mo of doctors

visits before I was approved. I also have several weight-related health issues, but they wouldn't waive that requirement.

I had my pre-op appt. on 4/7, with a scheduled surgery date of 4/13, but they delayed it, and requested a stress test before I could proceed. So now I am waiting again!

Yes it is very frustrating, but my point is, it will happen when the time is perfect. (at least that's what I keep telling myself)

Where are you having your surgery? I am going to the Barix Clinic, in Ypsilanti.

Best of luck to you!

[momma_missie 30]

Following this thread. Just starting to weigh my options with WLS. I coudldn't get into a local orientation until May 18th. I have BCBS-MI with a BMI of 50+. I have no idea what to expect or where to begin. I am looking at having my surgery in Northern Michigan, but we will see what becomes of it.

[momma_missie 30]

@@brandnewending I am attending a seminar down in Ypsilanti on June 13th. My dad had his lap band surgery done here about 5 months ago. I'll be meeting with Dr. Taylor afterwards. Just wanted to check in and see when/if you received a surgery date and how you are doing today! How was your experience at Barix? They have confirmed that there will not be a 6 month waiting period because of my BMI and my insurance. That part is encouraging. Now to figure out the financial aspects of it all as well. I'm getting very nervous and excited.

[brandnewending 4]

momma_missie yes, I did have my surgery (RNY) on May 4th. Everything went very well. I had a complication at about 2-3 weeks out, and I became severely dehydrated and had to be hospitalized for a couple of days. Everything is fine now and I am back on track.

The staff at the Barix Clinic are wonderful! They will take great care of you! Follow the program and do what they say and you will be on your way!

Good luck!