Hi everyone!

My first post ever. I went to an informational session a month or so ago (required to start) and I have my very first appointment with a doctor to discuss everything on September 8th.

I was told by my insurance that they no longer require the six month plan, they just require the written previous diet attempts and the numerous tests. I have Independence BCBS PPO. Does anyone else have that insurance?

I am desperately hoping I can go through the program so I can get surgery as soon as possible! Did everyone have to go through a pre-op diet months before surgery?

Thanks!

7 hours ago, SLsleeved said:

Hi everyone!

My first post ever. I went to an informational session a month or so ago (required to start) and I have my very first appointment with a doctor to discuss everything on September 8th.

I was told by my insurance that they no longer require the six month plan, they just require the written previous diet attempts and the numerous tests. I have Independence BCBS PPO. Does anyone else have that insurance?

I am desperately hoping I can go through the program so I can get surgery as soon as possible! Did everyone have to go through a pre-op diet months before surgery?

Thanks!

Are you talking about the Liquid Diet?

Hi Deeme

6 hours ago, Deeme said:

Are you talking about the liquid diet?

Nope! The 3-6 months medically supervised diet program prior to the liquid diet.

I have BCBS Oregon...they still require the 6 mo medically supervised diet. Just finished and submitted to insurance 8/18. Still waiting on an answer....[emoji37][emoji37][emoji37]

I'm just starting the process now. Saw the surgeon this week and going to the informational session on Tuesday. My insurance, Blue Cross of CA PPO, only requires a list of previous attempts. I'm converting from Lab-Band to Gastric Sleeve. I'm excited but very nervous.

I'm just starting the process now. Saw the surgeon this week and going to the informational session on Tuesday. My insurance, Blue Cross of CA PPO, only requires a list of previous attempts. I'm converting from Lab-Band to Gastric Sleeve. I'm excited but very nervous.

My question is to previous poster...Dm739 I too am a Band going to sleeve. So curious as to how it will feel compared to the Band. Do you think that insurance companies are a little easier on Band to sleeve patients has your Surgeons office said?

My question is to previous poster...Dm739 I too am a Band going to sleeve. So curious as to how it will feel compared to the Band. Do you think that insurance companies are a little easier on Band to sleeve patients has your Surgeons office said?

It may be easier. But it depends on your insurance, also. There are several different plans with each insurer. Large company group plans are usually self insured and have companies like Blue Cross as the administrator. The company tells Blue Cross what is covered and what is not. My Blue Cross plan is through a large health care company, so it may have been a little easier. Plus, the band has caused 7 years of GERD which has caused erosive esophagitis.

I would think that having a lap band would qualify for the 6 months on a previous plan for any insurer.

When are you having your surgery? I haven't totally committed yet. I go to the informational session on Tuesday. It makes me nervous to have a portion of my stomach cut away.

It may be easier. But it depends on your insurance, also. There are several different plans with each insurer. Large company group plans are usually self insured and have companies like Blue Cross as the administrator. The company tells Blue Cross what is covered and what is not. My Blue Cross plan is through a large health care company, so it may have been a little easier. Plus, the band has caused 7 years of GERD which has caused erosive esophagitis.

I would think that having a lap band would qualify for the 6 months on a previous plan for any insurer.

When are you having your surgery? I haven't totally committed yet. I go to the informational session on Tuesday. It makes me nervous to have a portion of my stomach cut away.

My surgery date is November 13th. I have Aetna and according to my surgical office I have to attend 3 nutrition classes one visit with a nutritionist, and a mental health evaluation. I had my Band removed last Wednesday. He said he doesn't like to do it all at once because of the scar tissue? Anyway my weight was 254.4 initially. It was 250.2 at my first class last week. I just don't want to do all this and then get a reject letter! Not to mention all my co pays and coinsurance has been paid for the year. But now I'm concerned about this whole GERD discussion everyone has been talking about. I dont have GERD but I do have mild heartburn. It was way worse with the band. SInce its been removed it seems to be triggered when I have thing like vinegars or acidic foods.

I used to be scared of the cutting of the stomach, but not anymore I am so ready to take that plunge!

BCBS Maryland -- 6 months supervised, which is really such a bummer!! With my luck, next year's plan will waive that requirement just as my 6 months is up!

There must be some seasonality to surgery -- for the introduction seminar in early August, they had around 50 people compared to the normal 5 -- ?? I;m not sure if people are trying to get surgery before the end of this year or early next year.