I got approved about a month ago but I figured I would let people know in case anyone else wonders about things with this insurance.

I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. It took about a month before I was approved. They claimed they were very behind for some reason so it took longer than normal. I only had to show some kind of proof that I attempted other weight loss methods and failed. In my case this included a life long history of up and down diets and I tried phentermine for a couple of months.

They are also going to cover the assisting surgeon and the Lovenox injections after. They approved me for same-day outpatient (unless of course there's a complication).

Hope this helps someone at some point! Surgery date is October 15, 2007!

How is everyone doing? I am scheduled for Wednesday...scare,nervous and excited all at the same time. This pre op diet is a nightmare....been cheating with salads....but that's it...can't wait for it to be over!!!

sharon:)

Sharon,

I'm also being banded on 3/12 and I'm nervous about the general "surgery" concept -- not so much the band, although the reality of that has been setting in, too. I went yesterday to get all the foods I can eat afterwards, which is basically jello, protein shakes and ... jello. I feel as though I'm going to be living on "air" for a while and well, at least that'll knock some weight off and get me going in the right direction. I've already been low carbing, and that has dropped me about 7 lbs, too.

I hate the pre-op diet. I did ask the nurse what the point exactly of it was -- I wanted to know if it had ANYTHINg to do with the stomach and she said it didn't. That it is only designed to shrink the liver (remove the glucose) and since I'm in full on ketosis, I'm not too worried about it at this point. I know some docs don't require it, some seem to only require it for a few days, things like that. I'm excited, oddly enough, to move to the post-op diet just because the change is so significant -- a good slap in the face, really -- to get one accustomed to the realities of what life is going to be for a while.

I'm excited you're getting banded on the same day as me!! Maybe we can chat as things go along. Where are you ?

--B

wow you two are post surgery by now I finally got my date today... mach 8th...just under the wire

Exactly...this is what happened to me! We switched August 1st and the 'new and improved' plan does not cover the band (or any other weight loss surgery) but our old plan did. GGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!! I am still gathering my letters from dr's to submit my appeal. Either way, I will have the band done...just when I don't know

call back to the facility and request to speak to her supervisor. I use to work in a medical facility and there is NO excuse for this type of customer service!!

Hello,

I was wondering what exactly you submitted to your insurance company in order to not have to complete the 6 month diet. Can you send me your letter if you wrote one? Please be specific I need as much help as possble thank you.