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Hello! I’m very new to this site and just beginning my journey. I am attending a bariatric surgery seminar next Monday to learn about my options for WLS & meet the surgeons.
I have insurance through BCBS Arkansas, through work.
Our outline of coverage says, “Services your plan generally does not cover,” and lists a bunch of services including bariatric surgery.
Has anyone had ABCBS and appealed after a denial? I’m thinking that would be my best move, or wait 2 years until we switch insurance plans and hope that it’s covered under the new one.
I’ve heard great things about BCBS, and even read a statement by them that says they believe bariatric surgery is vital to a long healthy life, etc. Yet, it’s not covered in my particular plan.
I cannot even see a doctor or surgeon,(outside of the seminar next week) until I have approval from my insurance.
Thank you in advance.

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And I’m also considering gastric sleeve! So sorry if this was posted to the wrong spot, still new here😭

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Unfortunately if the policy that your job provides you doesn't include WLS then no amount of appeals will get that policy to cover it. Reach out to the Human Resources department to get a more specific answer than "generally doesn't cover" and if they don't, request that they consider including it next year when policies are renewed.

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I agree with KCgirl. Your employer has chosen not to include Bariatric surgery as part of what they purchade insurance coverage for. Definitely reach out to HR. An appeal won't work. Sorry. Hope you eventually get it covered and get your surgery !

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

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Thank you both! I thought that would be the case. i received my packet of paperwork for my seminar yesterday after work, and there was a form included with questions to ask an insurance representative. He informed me that per my policy bariatric surgery is covered!😁 I’m super nervous and excited for this journey!

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Not sure why I’m getting two different stories, but he said it was covered so I’m running with it!

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That's great! Ask for something in writing, like the specific coverage so you're not surprised later!

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

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Yes! The rep gave me websites with information and our plans outlines as far as coverage and requirements! 🙌🏻

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I c was on BCBS Arkansas when I worked at Wal-Mart, lo these many moons ago.

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I read that most BCBS plans cover WLS, but in our policy outline for some reason it said that it didn’t cover it.
But I called customer service today, and the rep answered all the questions on my sheet, and assured me that it was covered.

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    • LeighaTR

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      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

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      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

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      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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