:scared2:I'm a low BMI'er, so I'm worried about approval. My papers were fax'd on Monday, March 3rd. Another stage of waiting, over. I hate this!

I am a lower BMI too (34.2). I received approval from insurance in less than 2 weeks, good luck and I hope everything works out for you. To be banded on 3/26/08!

Welcome and good luck. I've got my fingers crossed for you.

UPdate.....I called BC (of California) to verify they received the fax from my surgeon on 3/3/08. He said they set up my file on 3/4 and I will have my answer by 3/11 !!! Whooooooooopeeeeeeeeeee!

It feels better to have an actual date to look forward to.

:smile:Good luck. I am going for my sleep study on March 10th and then my all day evaluation on March 20.

I did the sleep study too. Ended up having sleep apnea and getting the CPAP machine. Boy, do I sleep now! Good luck with your study.

My info was also submitted to bcbs for approval. It was sent yesterday and i was told they should have an answer by Monday. I'm thinking that's a little unrealistic but hope they are right.

Good luck everyone

NikkiD, I called BC a few weeks ago to ask how long the pre-service review took and they told me 5 days max. (REALLY??!!) When I told the surgeon's bariatric coordinator she made a face and looked like she didn't believe it either. I guess I feel confident, since I was told by 2 different BC people. And it IS BC of California. Maybe they have a big pre-service review dept since everyone and their brother wants cosmetic and/or WLS!!! lol ;D (I live back in Michigan now, but my DH still works for his CA company and thats why we have CA ins.)

Lets hope its true!!

i was submitted to insurance on a thursday and i had approval and surgery scheduled the following thursday, BCBS Anthem - Nevada. I think you may be surprised with the response time. my coordinator told me the insurance company had up to 30 days but typically replied within 2 weeks. so i got a pretty quick turn around time. best wishes. g2s

p.s my bmi was 34.5

Thanks for the support everyone! Its nice to have this forum to "vent"

I'm going to call BC on Monday to see if they know anything.

I also have a low bmi of 35. what was your heighth to weight ration?, If you don't mind me asking? I am 5'7 and weigh 233? Have reflux and borderline high cholesteral, and been on Phentermine on and off for the last 2 years by my doctor? Any chance for me? I have Anthem BCBS

The best thing to do is check with your insurance to find out what they required to be approved for surgery. I have independent BC/BS PPO in PA and they require a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one of their listed comorbidities (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and I do not remember the rest).

I qualified with BMI just over 35 and hypertension. I hope this helps.

That's encouraging, I look forward to getting my results! Good luck on your surgery! God Bless and Prayers!:wink2: