So, I recently did an online seminar for Vanderbilt University Medical Center Bariatric Surgery. I 4/16/16 for the first appointment. They said it should take about 4-5 hours, and you meet doctors, nutritionist, Gastro nurse, and insurance "specialist".

My concern for me - I think BCBS Fed requires 6 months supervised diet/WL program. I do not have a PCP - I'm 28 and never really been to the dr all that often. I did about 6 months of phentermine years ago and for the last 1 1/2 years, I've had a personal trainer 2-3 times per week.

What's going to happen? I have seen a dr in my new town a couple times for low blood sugar, but nothing really major.

I'm about 365 BMI 51.

Any thoughts? IS there a way to get around the 6 month supervised thing?

Hi I think there is someone else on here that have bcbs federal....her screen name is @@MeFirst She may be able to answer some of your questions. She just had her surgery recently. Good luck!

Thanks for the lead - is there a way to contact her OR do you have to wait on a reply. I just signed up for this a few days ago.

Thanks!

BCBS Request for approval.docxRetired V A here. I had to provide two years of proof of doctor's supervision. What I did was have them print out two years of medical records and I highlighted every place that my weight was recorded and all of the doctor's comments or instructions regarding my weight.

For the surgery I had to have a three month supervised diet with my bariatric team. What I did for extra was to write BCBS a letter explaining how my weight and co-morbidities affect my health and quality of life. As soon as my program packet was submitted to BCBS, I was approved for a 5 day hospital stay, in only two business days.

I am sharing with you an editable copy of my letter to give you some inspiration. Feel free to adjust it as needed for yourself. I am also giving you a co-morbidities list.

Here is a list of common co-mobidities that the insurance companies consider. The information is from a U S Government website called the National Instititute of Health. I hope this helps.

Obesity Comorbidities
To follow is a list of comorbidities (additional conditions or diseases) related to obesity which may help you in qualifying for weight loss surgery.
• Family history of heart disease
• Family history of stroke
• Family history of diabetes
• Family history of heart attacks
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Coronary-artery disease
• Hypertension
• Migraines or headaches directly related to obesity or cranial hypertension
• Congestive heart failure
• Neoplasia
• Dyslipidemia
• Anemia
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative arthritis
• Degenerative disc
• Degenerative joint disease
• Recommended joint replacement from specialist
• Accelerated degenerative joint disease
• Asthma
• Repeated pneumonia
• Repeated pleurisy
• Repeated bronchitis
• Lung restriction
• Gastroesophageal reflex (GERD)
• Excess facial & body hair (Hirsutism)
• Rashes
• Chronic skin infections
• Excess sweating
• Frequent yeast infections
• Urinary stress incontinence
• Menstrual irregularity
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Polycystic ovaries
• Infertility
• Carcinoma (breast, colon, uterine cancer)
• sleep apnea
• Pseudotumor cerebri
• Depression
• Psychological/sexual dysfunction
• Social discrimination
• Premature death in the immediate family

I have BCBS Federal and have been approved for VSG. You need to get the online brochure from fepblue.org and search for the word "bariatric". You'll quickly find their requirements. I sent in a package showing I met their stated criteria, had done the required steps, and was approved. One thing was that their online provider directory didn't list any bariatric surgeons so I upgraded to the Standard plan (more expensive but has out of network coverage). When they approved my surgery they told me about two local practices that are in network--I should have called to ask. That mistake cost me a few thousand buy I'm not changing horses midstream--still using the out of network surgeon.

Good luck!

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@@Miss Mac and @@silverthreads

Thank you so much! I was very pleased to see that FED BCBS required 3 months of supervised plan. That's great. I was hoping I would be able to do my surgery in July if things went right. I have been morbidly obese nearly my entire life. I actually have gained 15 pounds after being with a trainer for 1 1/2 years (which isn't cheap). I was surprised when I told my trainer of my plan yesterday that he was positive and supportive. I go to law school August - May of the year, so need it in the summer and really don't want to wait until next summer.

I really appreciate all of your comments.

So, I recently did an online seminar for Vanderbilt University Medical Center Bariatric Surgery. I 4/16/16 for the first appointment. They said it should take about 4-5 hours, and you meet doctors, nutritionist, Gastro nurse, and insurance "specialist".

My concern for me - I think BCBS Fed requires 6 months supervised diet/WL program. I do not have a PCP - I'm 28 and never really been to the dr all that often. I did about 6 months of phentermine years ago and for the last 1 1/2 years, I've had a personal trainer 2-3 times per week.

What's going to happen? I have seen a dr in my new town a couple times for low blood sugar, but nothing really major.

I'm about 365 BMI 51.

Any thoughts? IS there a way to get around the 6 month supervised thing?

Yeah BC/BS fed is what I have... and they made me do 90 day supervised with NUT... along with other specialists so it took me since Sept... my date for destiny is May 18...

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Be sure you look up the plan brochure online--there is more than just the 3-month medically supervised weight loss program -- most of the rest is pretty easy (psych clearance, NUT consult, etc) but still takes time. The hardest for me was records that I was beyond the threshold BMI for 2-3 years. I was, but finding a record that I didn't create myself was tricky. My PCP didn't often weigh me so not much there. Fortunately my local Weight Watchers was able to print out 5 year old records (I didn't keep the originals). So do your lawyering--look at the book, find the specific requirements and build your case!