Question -Blue Cross & Blue Shield ?

[Kimberly1003]

Tessa,

The docs like to do the scope or a series of xrays after you get to enjoy some lovely chalky barium. Lucky me I got the scope. They found a hiatal hernia that can be addressed during surgery. It can be a lengthly process for sure. At least this will give you time to look at your eating habits and why you are eating. Coping after surgery will be entirely different for me. No more eating to quiet the demons. Hang in there!

Jeni,

I have found out that blue care network is entirely different than other bcbs'. Don't know why but they like to do everything the hard way. They don't care if you do meth or heroin as long as you aren't fat or depressed!

[Angela Schmangela]

Tessa, my doctor does a scope on almost everyone before surgery, especially if you have a history of acid reflux or heartburn or any sort of stomach upset. I also had a hiatal hernia which was repaired during surgery, and so did my friend who had surgery the same day I did. My doctor said that's pretty common.

[tessa_ellis]

So flippin excited, just got a call from Amy ("Insurance Lady") at my Surgeons Office, and she got the specifics in from my insurance company, I do not have to complete the 6 month supervised diet, all I have left is to send 2 yrs of Medical History, and she will send off to Insurance for approval, she thinks I will have approval within the next month, then set a surgery date ! I CANNOT WAIT, I am SO ready to change my life !

[Jessica D]

Congrats. The most stressful time for me was the insurance approval too. After that, piece of cake!! Good Luck.

[wyyldnite]

that's awesome! are they setting you up to see the dietician to get started on your pre-op diet and to discuss the post op diet?

[tessa_ellis]

They told me I would take a 3 hr class with dietician regarding Pre-Op Diet, and then of course what Diet I would go on after the Surgery, etc... That will be 3 weeks before surgery, and I will start the Medifast Liquids 2 weeks before, to shrink the liver.

[wyyldnite]

they just had me on slim fast high protein 3x a day and 1 small meal to shrink my liver. did that for 2 weeks.

[jno86]

you guys are scaring me bc i have cigna which requires the 6 months dieting that ive already done but i didnt lose weight. i stayed the same the entire time except once i lost 5 lbs. i hope mine doesnt require to lose a certain amt bc i never saw that .... i have been doin this since feb an im very frustrated.... i have been done with everything since aug 9th and they have YET to send my stuff to my insurance company for approval

[wyyldnite]

are you seeing a nutrionist and keeping a food journal?

[Gachicka191]

Hello....I was googling the 6mo diet requirement and saw your post. I have an appointment with dr turton tomorrow and I was just wondering what's your impression of him and his office with helping get everything approved with bc/bs? Did you use the office forms to document the weight loss with the pcp?

[meshel2817]

I have BCBS of MN through my husband's employer. I also had to do the six month supervised diets with the dietician. At first when the ins company told me that I was bummed out but it turned out that the months went by really fast. I actually enjoyed the visits at they were very informative and I learned a lot and also feel that it prepared me for when I do have the surgery ( once I'm approved). I also have to see a psychiatrist, but after all I've been through, what's one more loop to go through. I'm actually seeing the psych doctor and having all my labs done on tomorrow. The next step is submitting to the insurance company. I think this is the hardest that I've had to work at trying to lose weight. I was told that I had to lose 11 lbs, but I only lost 6. I gave up the sodas and tried to stay under 4 gms of sugar (recommended by the dietician), which was really not that hard. They suggested that I purchase chewable multi vitamins, liquid calcium, and sublingual B12 just to be more prepared for what would be expected after surgery. I'm wishing all of you who have had the sleeve and those of us hoping to be sleeved much success on our journey.

[Jenjen5159]

I have Empire BCBS out of NY and I did do a six month diet but I only actually went to the dr 4 times and I was approved after a tedious 15 business day research period...so I think it just depends!

[donna1743]

I have bc/bs of Alabama and I was required 3 mos. family Dr. 3 mos nutritionist 1 phycrist, and two year history of being obese. The 30 days of waiting for my insurance to approval was the hardest. Good. Luck God Bless( by the way I had to have a stress test, colonoscopy( which I had on my 58 birthday) nice birthday present haha). an a mamogram . I Healthly as a horse but have high blood presure . Now I get my sleeve the 8 of January . I amm very happy

[Onilew0984]

I have Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield of VA. I didn't have to do a preop diet. However, there was some uncertainty regarding whether I did or did not have too as well because Care First BCBS of DC and MD require the diet so I had to clarify with my insurance. I would get the name and contact information of someone the dr's office could talk to so they can clarify it. Also my BMI is 47 i think and I got approved for the sleeve with no issues.

[donna1743]

Great I don't have to do pre op diet but I'm am cause I read online it help shrink the liver and you have a better recovering. Good luck. God. Bless