saints92

Well, Dr. Eibes did a peer to peer review with Wellmark BCBS and explained that I meet all requirements. I inhale a corticosteroid daily and have for 2 years and my doc wrote not saying this will continue. They are saying I am not a habitual corticosteroid user so won't approve the sleeve. GRRR Dr. Eibes is doing a upper scope on me Monday and looking for gastritis. If I have gastritis, then Wellmark said they will approve. This is so ridiculous. Wish me luck on Monday!!!

Thanks so much. I have wrote a long personal letter to them as well. I am putting it in Dr. Eibes hands now. I am praying he can get them to understand. I am beyond frustrated, but know it will happen, just takes time.

Sorry I can't help with this problem at this point. I have coverage, Dr. Eibes office is resubmitting my information. I got denied first time as Wellmark needed more documentation. I am praying they get it submitted soon and I am still praying I can have the surgery in October. I have like 1000 out of pocket still to meet and I asked Diane in Dr. Eibes office and she said that it doesn't have to be paid up front. I am assuming you must set up payments with Iowa Health. You better ask. Good Luck.

Well, I am a little bummed as got denial letter but it was for two reasons that can be easily corrected. My doctor office messed up and only sent 2 of my 3 visits in for supervised diet and then they need a letter from my Doctor stating that I am a chronic corticosteriod user. They are so nit picky. I hope to have this information gathered by this week and resubmit again in couple weeks. I will win this battle!!

I found out today that I have been submitted to Wellmark BCBS for approval. I am so excited and scared. I will probably call BCBS twice weekly till I get an answer! Praying I am approved first time!

That would be tough. We will be hopefully doing surgery around the same time. I am thankful I have never smoked as it would be very hard to quit!! I wish you the best of luck!

That is awesome...when are you anticipating surgery?

Oh I am so happy to hear that. I am from Southern Iowa. What part do you think is the hardest? Pre-op/post-op, no drinking with meals. etc. That is awesome no complications. I am praying for approval then no complications.

I haven't been approved yet, but working on getting everything ready for submission. I have attended the seminar, I have met the surgeon and dietician. I have had both of my mental health visits! I am on month 2 of 3 for supervised physcian diet and going to my support group meeting this weekend!! I am nervous and excited. I am hoping to have surgery in October!!! Let me know where you are all at in your journey!!!

Hi there! I am in the pre-hoop process too. I am hoping to have my sleeve done in October! Very good questions, as I have the same ones! Can't wait to see the responses! Good luck in your adventure!

I am in the beginning stages of WLS. I have done tons of research and reading on the Vertical Sleeve. I am doing all the steps to reach insurance approval. Any suggestions you all have would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping to have surgery October 2011.

Thanks for the support!!

okay--I have met with the surgeon, dietician and started my doctor supervised diet. I also have done 1 of my 2 mental health visits. I am praying my insurance approves me for the Sleeve surgery. I know I will be approved for the band, but for the sleeve they have stipulations. One is that you must be a chronic steriod user. Well, I inhale a steriod nasal spray every night, have for the last one and half years and will forever. If they won't approve off of that, then my surgeon says he will scope me and look for gasritis as if you have that then the sleeve will be covered. I am doing all the steps. I am in the process of trying to find me a protein drink I can tolerate. I am just not getting samples in the mail so let the sampling begin!! I have already turned in the last 3 years of my medical history too!! I am praying this is my answer to my whole life of obesity!

I have wondered this same thing...while on the doctor supervised diet...should you lose weight or not??? Am I really suppose to be trying....or what...any suggestions!!!