Hi Everyone

[JuneyP]

Hello,
I am new here and getting a consultation in Sept for the sleeve at St. Joseph hospital in Chicago. My BMI is 35 (weight fluctuates between 205-215) and since my early 30s (when I went from 130-175 the year my mom died), I've gained a bit every year after. I've been on every diet imaginable, with varied success but nothing permanent. Always regained. My all-time high weight was 230 and I'm not going to get back up there again. The sleeve is what I hope will be my last journey toward better health, eating normally and having energy!

So I have sleep apnea and high cholesterol. It seems like BCBS PPO may cover surgery but I'll find out for sure in September. My husband is skeptical that this will work, but I feel like this is my last resort.

I'm just so tired of how I look and feel.

Any successful sleevers - do you have any advice for those of us who hope to embark on the journey?
Thanks,
"Juney"

[mara]

Hi Juney,

We share a very similar history. I am from the SW suburbs of Chicago. I had my sleeve at University of Chicago last Sept. Best decision I have ever made, just wish I would have made it sooner. Looks like you have the BMI and Co morbidities to be approved by BCBS too. It can be a long process but so worth it. A lot of friendly helpful fellow sleevers here. Best of luck to you!!

-Mara

[Christie13]

Hi Juney. You should contact your insurance company and see what your plan requires. They can tell you all the requirements before you have your meeting. Even if other people have BCBS it can vary from plan to plan. My Aetna plan only paid 50% of my surgery but my friends Aetna plan is through another work company and hers paid the surgery in full as long as she had already met her deductible.

[JuneyP]

Hi Mara,
How long is the process for approval? My insurance may change in December (though it will still be BCBS) and I'm hoping to get the surgery before the end of the year! Any tips?
Thanks,
JP

[JuneyP]

Oh wow, thanks for that advice, Christie! I will do that.

[mara]

Hi Juney,

I can only speak for my situation. My process began in June. After clearance from my primary doctor I had my consult with the Bariatric department along with their necessary testing, which included an orientation seminar and other evaluations with nutrition and psych. Once I had completed the necessary steps my case was submitted for approval. It took approximately 3 weeks for BCBS to approve. My surgery date was Sept 28. My only tip is to stay on top of things, so that your paperwork doesn't slip through the cracks. I made sure that I completed every step of the process as soon as I could. A friend of mine just had her surgery in Arizona on July 6. It took her 6 months from her initial consult till surgery, so it can vary with each person. Also, different bariatric programs may have different requirements. Hope this helps.

[JuneyP]

Thanks, Mara! I appreciate the info. I am hoping the paperwork will go smoothly. Feel free to PM me any time to chat - !