If you need help understanding your benefits, I can give you advice from the hospital/facility side of things. Part of my job is to get prior authorizations and calculate how much patients will owe for certain services. I haven't been getting notifications when someone posts on here so if you don't get an answer within 24 hours then send me an email at sseelbach@live.com.

Edited March 13, 201610 yr by Sarah 82

Sarah, my husband and I are both trying to get the sleeve. We have BCBS Fed and live in AZ. Our surgeon's office hasn't made any demands that we need to lose any weight prior to surgery nor do they believe in the pre-op liquid diet just prior to surgery. After reading so many people say they had to lose 5% before surgery, I am kinda worried now. I am currently banded but had an unfill 3 months ago and have gained about 15 pounds (last I checked). My husband has never had bariatric surgery. Thank you

Hi Sarah, I sent you a message. Thanks for your help!

SusanB55: not all insurance plans require a supervised diet and/or weight loss prior to surgery. I also have BCBS and my plan didn't require it. The preop diet is usually recommended more as a way to get you prepared for how you'll eat after surgery. Some surgeons also do it so you can shrink your liver to make it easier during the procedure.

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Hey Sara82, thank you for lending your expertise. I have Highmark BCBS an you need a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with one comorbidity. I am at 39 with comorbidities that are controlled by medications. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux. I have my sleep study next week but I do not think I have sleep apnea. Do you have any knowledge of Highmark denying based on comorbidities being under control with medication?

I am so sad because Mississippi doesn't cover Bariatrics!! I can't find any private Insurance that covers it. Please help me.

Look at the Affordable care act, I met a lady who is using Humana PPO. She said the requirements are minimum.

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