I am insured through my work by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO and I am just in the beginning stages of the whole process (as some may have read in my introduction post). I am 22 years old and have a BMI of 48.5. I went to my PCP last Friday and he referred me to the local WLS surgeons. They faxed my info to the Bariatric center on Monday and the Bariatric center called me and scheduled a Lap-Band seminar which is next Tuesday (10/13).

I'm pretty excited about the seminar, I just want to get the whole thing under way! I read that in July BCBSIL dropped the 5 year history and changed the 6 months supervised diet to 3 months, can anyone verify this? What else did you need to do? I've requested a list of the requirements from BCBS but I'm very anxious (and wondering why if they said they were sending it Monday I don't have it yet on Friday) How has your experience with BCBSIL been? I want to make the process as smooth as possible so I was hoping I could get some advice. Any help would be great!!

I have bcbs of IL. and was just approved. It was fairly easy as long as you do exactly as the dr. tells you. 3 month diet and they submit everything. seminar was in July, met dr and went over procedure in Aug. , Sept , oct and Nov were 3 month diet . Saw a cardio, psycho, and pulmo doctors in that time frame too. Submitted on Nov 9 and had an answer on Nov.30th!!!! Best of luck and do not give up. I can not wait till Jan to be banded!!!

Hi Everybody. I had been looking around for more information about BCBS IL for some time before I started this whole process. Here is an update-

Starting March 15, 2011 they are switching back to a 6 month Dr. supervised diet (you need to see someone once a month for 6 months)

I always wondered how long everything takes. I am getting my procedure done at Northwestern University Medical Center with Dr. Nagel so it may be different with you. I was really good at scheduling appointments ASAP so there really want any lag time.

October 2010 – First visit with Northwestern Center for Lifestyle Medicine

November 2010- Visit with nutritionist

December 2010- Visit with therapist

December 2010- First 'class' with nutritionist

January 2011- second 'class' with nutritionist

February 2011- third and final 'class' with nutritionist

February 2011- meeting with surgeon

February 18, 2011- BCBSIL sent request for coverage

March 1 2011- approval from BCBSIL, surgery scheduled April 25, 2011

I also have to get an EKG and some blood work done before surgery. I also have to take a 4 hour class about the surgery, what happens after surgery and post-op life.

So if they are switching to a 6 month diet it really isn't a huge deal because it takes a while to get through. I recommend Northwestern because their whole program is built around getting you 1) educated and ready for surgery and 2) approved by BCBS IL (and other insurances)