Hey all! I'm new to this community as well as to gastric sleeve surgery. I have been thinking about this procedure for months now, and finally after researching it, i've decided to go ahead with it. I contacted my insurance company, which is Highmark, BCBS of PA and this is what i've concluded is needed: BMI - over 40.

Age of 18 and over.

6 visits (1 visit per month) with my doctor, who will monitor my weight and exercise regime.

A psych eval.

A nutritionist visit.

Anyone know if there is anything else I need, or have left out? I need some help with this. Also, is it ONE visit to a nutritionist? Also, how will my doctor be "monitoring" my exercise? I can see weight, whether it increases or decreases each month.

I live in PA, so those are the specifics i've researched, anyone else have any input?

Help!

Thank you for posting! I started Jenny Craig in February (didn't do well) do you think that could count as the start of the 6m?

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Do you guys think weight watchers online would be an acceptable form of structured weight loss for this?

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^^You're so right about the 6-month process being a way to teach you to eat...I think that's the idea behind it. I think they basically want to know you're committed to following the process step-by-step.

Another question for someone who might know to answer, did anyone join Weight Watchers as a requirement for this insurance? Mine says "The patient must participate in and meet the criteria of a structured nutrition(WW, Jenny Craig) and exercise program."

I have bsbc of tn and I have to see my doc for 6 visits about weight loss and my starting weight has to be higher than my final weight. There was no percentage of weight lost needed just that I had done something. I did start low carb and high Protein and I meet with my doctor today. The surgeon has booked an appointment for my lab work and tests in September but my doctor has a lady who works with the insurance requirements so she has been a great help. If you call the surgeon and talk with them they can answer a lot of questions.

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Can I ask the people who have been approved by insurance--when did you submit to insurance? I had my initial consult 6/15. I've done all the pre op--2 NUT visits, can they submit to insurance to at least get approval pending the outcome of the 6m?

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Dumb question, but what does "NUT" stand for?

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Dumb question, but what does "NUT" stand for?

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Nutritionist ☺

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Thanks! I googled it and figured it out shortly after

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