If there is a weight gain in one of your appointments during your 6-month diet plan, will you be denied even if overall you lose weight? For example, say I start at 300 lbs, lose 10 lbs in the first two months, gain 5 lbs during the third month, but then I lose 20 lbs over for a final weight loss of 280 lbs, will I be denied?

I have Anthem BCBS and I just wondered if they focus on the month to month or overall accomplishments. Gaining weight over the holidays seems to be a logical scenario, but I wondered about anyone else's experiences.

I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and I didn't lose any weight during the six months. But they found other reasons to deny me. I had to fight with them for several months to get approval and we are still fighting with my with them for my husband's approval . do not take their denial to Heart or as fact. Fight it fight it fight

HW 385 SW 359 CW 326 (59lbs down!) Sleeved 10/5/16

I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and I didn't lose any weight during the six months. But they found other reasons to deny me. I had to fight with them for several months to get approval and we are still fighting with my with them for my husband's approval . do not take their denial to Heart or as fact. Fight it fight it fight

HW 385 SW 359 CW 326 (59lbs down!) Sleeved 10/5/16

Gosh, I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that to get approved. Everything went so well with my mom when she did gastric bypass 5 years ago.

I'm so stressed about everything and depressed. I hope your husband is approved soon.

I have Anthem as well. They denied me the first time, my doctor's office said not to worry about it and they filed a letter of appeal, was approved that second time.

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I have Anthem as well. They denied me the first time, my doctor's office said not to worry about it and they filed a letter of appeal, was approved that second time.

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Well, I hope that turns out to be the case for me. I'm just so stressed and depressed worrying about everything. :-(

@@Mandy Vachon

Try hard not to worry. I know that is easier said than done.

You don't have your stats listed so it is hard to know if you might have to jump through a few more hoops.

The reality is, you simply jump through each hurdle as it comes. This is not a short process to go through and there will be bumps along the way. The reality is, in the end every hoop and hurdle is worth jumping through!

In the meantime, focus more on changing behaviors and habits that will help you post surgery. This process is 90% head and 10% surgery. The surgery will be your tool but the behavior changes are what is needed to be successful long term.

You can do this! Just take one day at a time and keep your eye on the prize!

@@Mandy Vachon

Try hard not to worry. I know that is easier said than done.

You don't have your stats listed so it is hard to know if you might have to jump through a few more hoops.

The reality is, you simply jump through each hurdle as it comes. This is not a short process to go through and there will be bumps along the way. The reality is, in the end every hoop and hurdle is worth jumping through!

In the meantime, focus more on changing behaviors and habits that will help you post surgery. This process is 90% head and 10% surgery. The surgery will be your tool but the behavior changes are what is needed to be successful long term.

You can do this! Just take one day at a time and keep your eye on the prize!

I've just been feeling depressed in general and I'm starting to really worry. I've got an appt on Monday and I'm going to talk to her about managing my depression. I know I'm capable of the necessary changes but I just can't pick myself up to move forward. It's not just tied to wanting this surgery, but of course, this is part of it. I wish I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know it will work out as it's meant to, but it's just really hard right now.

Thank you for your kind post and for taking the time to provide reassurance and kind words.

If you don't mind me asking, why did they deny it the first time?

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My opinion is that they deny it out of habit. I never read the denial letter, because the doctor's folks told me they would deal with it and they did.

I have bcbs anthem and am currently awaiting approval. I'm so stressed the surgery happens before the end of year because I have been saving my PTO and I can't roll it over. Not to mention I've already paid this years deductible. I actually had to gain a little weight during the 6 month diet visits to get to their minimum 40bmi to qualify. This waiting thing is so stressful.

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Do you mind telling which state your anthem bcbs is run out of? I am just starting the process and mine is out of NJ. Just wondering if I am going to have to deal with this too.

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@@emardee did you see your doctor for 6 months?

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@@emardee did you see your doctor for 6 months?

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@@kmsull617 , I'm in the same boat. I live in NJ and I'm trying to figure out which state my Anthem BCBS is from because there technically isn't a policy for Anthem BCBS NJ

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@@Tashagirlxo - hmmm maybe mine is actually run out of NY? It used to be Empire. I called to ask what my coverage was and was told 100% but not sure how the approval process works yet.

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So frustrating ! @@kmsull617

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Tash, I saw my doctor for about eight months, worked through the tests, approvals, counseling, etc. Then surgery had to be postponed (two days before I was scheduled) because they found out I was severely anemic. I was on Iron for six more months, then they found out I had bleeding ulcers, had to take medication to heal those, yada yada. From my first appointment to date of surgery I'd say it was about 18 months.

@@emardee did you see your doctor for 6 months?

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@@emardee did you see your doctor for 6 months?

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