Weight loss requirement for California Anthem Blue Cross

[Bariatricpal71 1]

I am 2 months (and 2 dietician meetings) into my 6 month supervised nutrition requirement. But I have yet to have anyone give me any type of pre-surgery weight loss requirements.

Does Anthem require a certain amount of weight loss in that 6 months, or just the proof that you've been on some type of program? Any insight is appreciated.

[nocturnalgemi 66]

I am 2 months (and 2 dietician meetings) into my 6 month supervised nutrition requirement. But I have yet to have anyone give me any type of pre-surgery weight loss requirements.
Does Anthem require a certain amount of weight loss in that 6 months, or just the proof that you've been on some type of program? Any insight is appreciated. [emoji4]

I also have Anthem in a different state. They don't require you to lose a certain amount. I lost 20 lbs. All they want is the proof. Just do the best you can and don't stress it dear! Best of luck! [emoji4]

[orionburn 1,023]

On 3/14/2017 at 11:59 PM, Bariatricpal71 said:

I am 2 months (and 2 dietician meetings) into my 6 month supervised nutrition requirement. But I have yet to have anyone give me any type of pre-surgery weight loss requirements.

Does Anthem require a certain amount of weight loss in that 6 months, or just the proof that you've been on some type of program? Any insight is appreciated.

Anthem here as well. I had the sleeve but regardless they require the 6 month program for WLS. They didn't require a certain amount of weight loss, however without any comorbidities you had to be above a certain BMI. Meaning if you dropped below a certain weight during those 6 months they would deny your surgery. Seems kind of stupid, but that's the way it is. I had some health issues related to my weight but nothing that would have been considered an actual comorbidity, so I was going by a high BMI alone.

[QueenOfTheTamazons 634]

I have anthem blue Cross and there was no weight loss required...

But... they will likely deny your first surgery request. They denied me and my husband several times before approvibg. Don't be shocked and fight the denials. Make sure that your provider clearly documents that you talked about diet AND exercise at EVERY visit. They also need to clearly state that they feel you are a good candidate for surgery and will comply with ALL post surgical requirements. These are some of the issues that came up during our approval process as reason why we were being denied.

[kplumlee1205 31]

Blue shield CA here. No required weight loss unless over 50 BMI but that my my Doctors requirement. I was approved first time around with 6 nutritional meetings and two visits with my doctors and 2 visits to my weight management dr that was focused on exercise, though we discussed it at nut appts. too. I have insluin dependent diabetes though and severe asthma so my comorbidies might be the reason for the 3 day approve. Surgery is 4/5! and I've lost 5 lbs since December. I can't gain... that was he only requirement the whole time for me with a low BMI .