Final insurance approval prior to Gastric Sleeve Surgery

[fee1972 7]

i am scheduled for VSG on Mar 16th and I am nervous about not getting the final approval from my insurance. My last weigh in for the 6 month required medically monitored weight loss program i gained 5 pounds. The dietitian has me coming back for another 1 on 1 with her because she wants to make sure that i am at back down to my starting weight before i attend the preop class. She advised that even though insurance uses the starting weight for approval if they see thst i have gained prior to final approval. i could be denied. since that news I have been nervous about getting all the way to this point and not getting approved. For the past few weeks my weight has been fluctuating within that 5 pounds. i lost the 5 then I'm back up 3, I lose 2 then I'm back up 1. Can anyone share what they experienced with their preop weight and getting final approval from insurance company? Thanks.

[mochamommy727 36]

I'm nervous, too. My last diet visit is in a few weeks but over the last 5 1/2 months, I really haven't lost any weight. Actually, I'm up about six pounds since my initial weigh-in. Whenever I'd ask my nurse about the number reflected on the scale each month, she'd say "Don't worry about losing weight, just focus on educating yourself on the right foods to eat following your surgery."

When I called my insurance company (BCBS) and asked if I was required to lose any weight during the six months, I was told no. But they didn't say anything about gaining weight. I'd hate to come this far and be denied over a few pounds. Guess I need to work hard these next few weeks to try to drop a few pounds, just to be on the safe side.

[jfcajr 123]

I gained 25 pounds during my six month Doc supervised weight loss because I went onto an antidepressant known to cause weight gain. I was very nervous I wouldn't be approved but was told by surgeons office that as long as BMI is over 37 I shouldn't worry...got approval on 2/10/17 for a march 8th surgery


Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

[Newme17 3,444]

10 hours ago, fee1972 said:

i am scheduled for VSG on Mar 16th and I am nervous about not getting the final approval from my insurance. My last weigh in for the 6 month required medically monitored weight loss program i gained 5 pounds. The dietitian has me coming back for another 1 on 1 with her because she wants to make sure that i am at back down to my starting weight before i attend the preop class. She advised that even though insurance uses the starting weight for approval if they see thst i have gained prior to final approval. i could be denied. since that news I have been nervous about getting all the way to this point and not getting approved. For the past few weeks my weight has been fluctuating within that 5 pounds. i lost the 5 then I'm back up 3, I lose 2 then I'm back up 1. Can anyone share what they experienced with their preop weight and getting final approval from insurance company? Thanks.

UP and down on the weight, sounds more like Water. Try watching your salt intake. There are other factors for fluctuating weight, like stress & bloating (usually due to high fat/salt food/drinks). If I were you, I'd probably take a Water pill the day before my last weigh in and take so milk of magnesia to clean out my system. LOL Just to be on the safe side.

My insurance doesn't require a weight loss either, and I'm doing my best not to gain as well. So I understand what you are going through. I have a feeling I might be a few pounds heavier at my next appt only because I'm weight training. I usually gain (due to muscle) before I start losing--but l always lose inches --which in my mind should be the ultimate way to "weigh" ourselves unless you use the old fashioned caliper method (the best method of measuring body fat). Anyway, blessings on your journey!

[fee1972 7]

22 hours ago, mochamommy727 said:

I'm nervous, too. My last diet visit is in a few weeks but over the last 5 1/2 months, I really haven't lost any weight. Actually, I'm up about six pounds since my initial weigh-in. Whenever I'd ask my nurse about the number reflected on the scale each month, she'd say "Don't worry about losing weight, just focus on educating yourself on the right foods to eat following your surgery."

When I called my insurance company (BCBS) and asked if I was required to lose any weight during the six months, I was told no. But they didn't say anything about gaining weight. I'd hate to come this far and be denied over a few pounds. Guess I need to work hard these next few weeks to try to drop a few pounds, just to be on the safe side.

I have Anthem BCBS, I guess I will just have to wait and see how this plays out. Meanwhile I will keep with the routine of taking my Vitamins, getting in my Protein and watching my carbs and staying away from sugar. All the best to you with your surgery.

[fee1972 7]

19 hours ago, jfcajr said:

I gained 25 pounds during my six month Doc supervised weight loss because I went onto an antidepressant known to cause weight gain. I was very nervous I wouldn't be approved but was told by surgeons office that as long as BMI is over 37 I shouldn't worry...got approval on 2/10/17 for a march 8th surgery


Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Wow good for you that's great news, all the best with your surgery too.

[fee1972 7]

11 hours ago, Newme17 said:

UP and down on the weight, sounds more like Water. Try watching your salt intake. There are other factors for fluctuating weight, like stress & bloating (usually due to high fat/salt food/drinks). If I were you, I'd probably take a Water pill the day before my last weigh in and take so milk of magnesia to clean out my system. LOL Just to be on the safe side.

My insurance doesn't require a weight loss either, and I'm doing my best not to gain as well. So I understand what you are going through. I have a feeling I might be a few pounds heavier at my next appt only because I'm weight training. I usually gain (due to muscle) before I start losing--but l always lose inches --which in my mind should be the ultimate way to "weigh" ourselves unless you use the old fashioned caliper method (the best method of measuring body fat). Anyway, blessings on your journey!

Thank you for the tip I just may try that, and blessings to you on your journey as well.

[kell911 62]

I completed all requirements, it was submitted on 2/3 still waiting for the insurance approval..This is the hardest part! I have my pre-op on 2/17. I am nervous. I hope he gives me a tentative date pending the approval.

[fee1972 7]

Quick update, on my last weigh in at pre op class I was up by 2 lbs. I had my pre admission testing and PCP released medical clearance last Thursday. Got the call today my insurance approved me so I am all set for my surgery this Thursday.

[mochamommy727 36]

11 hours ago, fee1972 said:

Quick update, on my last weigh in at pre op class I was up by 2 lbs. I had my pre admission testing and PCP released medical clearance last Thursday. Got the call today my insurance approved me so I am all set for my surgery this Thursday.

That's WONDERFUL! Congrats, and all the best to you!!

[fee1972 7]

That's WONDERFUL! Congrats, and all the best to you!!

Thanks so much, you as well [emoji4]