Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Experiences with BCBS - Illinois



Recommended Posts

Hi everyone! I'm just starting to look into WLS, and I'm curious about people's experiences with BCBS-Illinois. What hoops did they have you jump through? How long did it take to get approved?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No hoops but my BMI was high. Approved after being submitted in 7 or 10 days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Super easy, they approved me quickly (under a week) .

It was my surgeon who recommended 3 months of meeting w/a nutrionist before scheduling the surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSIL too. They have 3 requirements: (1) BMI - 40+, or 35-39 with recognized co-morbidities, (2) nutritional consult, and (3) psych evaluation. No supervised diet requirement. Approval is within 30 days of submission (many average about 7 days).

For me, my surgeon's office submitted me to BCBSIL on 12/10 and they denied me 12/17. Surgeon resubmitted me 12/28 and 1/5 BCBSIL approved me. My surgery is set for 2/26.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSIL too. They have 3 requirements: (1) BMI - 40+, or 35-39 with recognized co-morbidities, (2) nutritional consult, and (3) psych evaluation. No supervised diet requirement. Approval is within 30 days of submission (many average about 7 days).

For me, my surgeon's office submitted me to BCBSIL on 12/10 and they denied me 12/17. Surgeon resubmitted me 12/28 and 1/5 BCBSIL approved me. My surgery is set for 2/26.

Woo-hoo! Congratulations!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to my first consultation yesterday, and the insurance counselor assured me that BCBS-IL is a good insurer. No diet required. They are requiring medical records for proof of co-morbidities (I'm under 40 BMI). No other requirements for me other than nutritionist and psych eval, which the surgeon also requires. The insurance counselor did say BCBS-IL is slow, which is odd because I've heard the opposite on this forum.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSIL. I started on my WLS journey in august 2015. My bmi was 56 or 57, insurance required psych eval and 30 day follow up with surgeon. Because I was a bad snorer, surgeon required sleep study which confirmed sleep apnea. Got my cpap and everything was filed the end of October. End of November I got the call of approval and 12/14/15 I was sleeved. So for my experience it was only a 4 month process. Good luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went for my first doctors appt on 12/10. Did psych eval, nutrition visit, lab work... Submitting tomorrow. BMI is 37 and I have osteoarthritis. My labs showed high cholesterol, ldl and prediabetic. We shall see. I'm hoping this happens. I'm very nervous. Hoping for late March/early April surgery date.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBSIL too. They have 3 requirements: (1) BMI - 40+, or 35-39 with recognized co-morbidities, (2) nutritional consult, and (3) psych evaluation. No supervised diet requirement. Approval is within 30 days of submission (many average about 7 days).

For me, my surgeon's office submitted me to BCBSIL on 12/10 and they denied me 12/17. Surgeon resubmitted me 12/28 and 1/5 BCBSIL approved me. My surgery is set for 2/26.

Approval within 30 days? Ugh. I hope mine is closer to the 7 you mentioned.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I was approved, I called them about something else, and I asked if I was approved, and they told me, that was at a week or less than a week, and within a few days the letter came in the mail. The Dr office took another 2 weeks or so to call me and me I was approved.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I was approved, I called them about something else, and I asked if I was approved, and they told me, that was at a week or less than a week, and within a few days the letter came in the mail. The Dr office took another 2 weeks or so to call me and me I was approved.

Hmmm, I'll have to try that. I didn't think about calling them myself. Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Awesome. At 6 months I feel like normal, just smaller appetite.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's going fast for me.. I went for my consultation on 1/20/16. With my insurance, and possible yours (I'm PPO) they don't require a medical assisted diet. So I was told around the end of February to beginning of March is when I will have surgery (if everything comes back good for all my testing). And my mouth dropped. They scheduled all of my test that day except my EGD test.. which will be scheduled as soon as my EKG test clears. First they sent me downstairs after my consultation for labs. I had to blow into a bag.. drink something that tasted like lemonade.. then wait 5 mins and blow into another little bag, and they took blood work. My Radiology/Ultrasound tests, and Psychology appointments were on 2/3/16. My EKG/Stress tests, and Nutrition class are tomorrow morning 2/8/16. My At Home sleep Study test is on 2/11/16. She said they will be submitting my paperwork next week to insurance.. and I'm like WOW.. I knew I wouldn't have to jump through so many hoops but this is so fast I'm getting nervous. And I made a post asking a similar question and many told me how fast the process went for them, and it's no joke.. with my experience. My Radiology test came back good, and I was cleared by my Psychologist. So warning.. don't be surprised if this process goes fast. Good Luck to you!

Edited by LadyWarren

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×