Hello, all--

Well I'm Cellie and new here-- just two months in my pre-approval process. I have already seen a psychologist, who approved me for the surgery, and I've had my first consult visit with the surgeon.

I'm so anxious about getting approval for the surgery. I have to show five years of problematic weight history, and each year is above 40 except for one. I have comorbidities, though, so I'm hoping to get approved anyway The surgeon told me I wouldn't be formally asking for approval until 2018. I have my first appointment with the nutritionist in two weeks.

Were any of you else this nervous about approval? Anybody else have BCBS insurance? Any advice?

I look forward to getting to know you all better.

Good luck. Use the time to examine the role of food in your life, develop some hobbies, get a fitbit and start walking if you can. It goes faster than you think.

Welcome to the forum. Of course many of us were nervous! I don't know anyone who wouldn't be nervous about being approved for a life-changing surgical procedure! A LOT of posts here come down to the question: "Is this normal?!" IMO, 99% of the time, the answer is a loud "Yes!" You are not alone.

Its nerve wrecking waiting on an approval. I don't have BCBS but it is normal to be nervous I stalked my insurance company for 10 days sometimes calling 2x a day just to check the status so I get it.

10 hours ago, Cellie said:

Anybody else have BCBS insurance?

I had BC/BS of Texas at the time I was sleeved more than 2 years ago. Keep in mind that each insurance policy has differing requirements even though they all may carry the BC/BS name.

Thank goodness I didn't need to display 5 years of problematic weight history. I weighed 128 pounds the year before I qualified for the sleeve, which would have been a huge red flag.

I qualified with a BMI of 37 and one comorbid condition (elevated cholesterol).

I have BCBS of Alabama. I had to do a six month physician supervised diet, but they didn't want me to lose any weight. I did that and had to submit 3 years of weight history and I was approved in a day! My BMI is 49 and I'm 19

I have BCBS of NC and I'm on my last step of going to my support group. But I've already talked to BCBS and was told I've got nothing to worry about

On ‎10‎/‎13‎/‎2017 at 11:25 AM, kalexis98 said:

I have BCBS of Alabama. I had to do a six month physician supervised diet, but they didn't want me to lose any weight. I did that and had to submit 3 years of weight history and I was approved in a day! My BMI is 49 and I'm 19

Kalexis!! I also have BCBS Alabama and am waiting to see the nutritionist this week to complete everything the insurance is requiring. Your post gave me hope that they may just answer me quickly. Hopefully its an approval!!!

I started my journey in February. I have BCBS of Florida. My particular plan has a clause that specifically states they don’t cover bariatric surgery so my first submission was denied. I was approved on my first appeal on 8/19. The doctor’s office told me that once my insurance sent me the physical approval letter in the mail, to bring it in and they would schedule me. After many calls to the insurance and calls and emails back and forth with my doctor’s office I found out that BCBS would not send the letter because of the clause and the doctor’s office would not schedule without. Even though they can check in the electronic system and print out the approval there, they insisted. Apparently they have had problems with the insurance paying after the fact. I have to applaud a few of the girls in the office and in corporate that persisted and on 10/5 I was informed that they had obtained a letter from BCBS and I was good to schedule. It’s a good thing they scheduled me for 11/17 because my approval expires 11/22!

On 10/13/2017 at 11:42 AM, silv3rstarz said:

I have BCBS of NC and I'm on my last step of going to my support group. But I've already talked to BCBS and was told I've got nothing to worry about

Did you hear back from BCBSNC? I'm just waiting for one more appt before I submit to insurance. How far along are you? Did you have to do a supervised diet?

welcome!!!

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Welcome! The time flies..I would start getting down to some exercising and changing your eating habits now..that way when you are required to lose you will have a head start!