I have recently decided to have surgery. After battling weight issues for 21 years, I know I need to do something. I met with the surgeon yesterday, was very nice. Waiting on insurance, I have BCBS of Alabama. I am scared, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Would love to know how long it took for insurance to verify and any tips ya'll can give me!

Thank you!

Congratulations. You will be a very different person in a year from now. Take a picture and keep doing that every month.

The insurance dance is the most aggravating part of this journey, not recovery. I have BCBS for Federal employees and had to provide two years of documented effort for weight loss and three months of supervised diet.

Along the way, I had to get a cardiac clearance, EEG, Endoscopy (not too bad - they gave me a nap - I woke up and it was done), and liver imaging.

At the end of meeting these requirements, the info was sent to my insurer. I was approved in two days and scheduled my surgery for three weeks later when my boyfriend was taking vacation to take care of me.

Welcome! Always love to see another member in the flock. ????

You will find a lot of the information you are seeking by just browsing the different forums here. Join in and you'll be amazed by the support you'll receive along the way. Congrats and best of luck!

I have BCBS of Alabama and just got my approval on Monday. They required 6 full months (7 visits/ 180 days) pre-op consultation with a nutritionist. I had my last appointment Friday 9/18 and the insurance was submitted and approved immediately Monday 9/21. My doctor's office has some way to submit online with BCBS AL so mine came back right away. I'm not sure if other offices do the same thing though. I am still waiting for the nurse to call me and schedule the surgery. Fingers crossed they call me today!

Good luck!