beachlover09

So, it has now been 15 days and STILL WAITING. I just called the insurance company, and they said it usually never takes this long, but they have up to 30 days to reply. I am beyond frustrated. Has anyone else had problems with BCBS Federal- Texas?

My surgeon's office finally sent off everything to BSCS today. I am so excited, but I don't know if I can handle waiting a long time. Hopefully I will be approved within the next week or so. I just need to be patient, but I thought I would share the news.

My surgeon's office is saying that nutrition counseling is not required by my insurance as long as I have had my three month supervised diet. She said the only thing required is two year weight history, three month supervised diet, psych evaluation, and a letter from PCP saying medically necessary. Did anyone else that has BCBS Federal not have to see a nut and still got approved?

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! Such exciting news. My doctor turned everything in August 17th. I am hoping to get an answer by next week and have the surgery the last week of September. Good luck with everything. Hopefully I will see you on the losers' bench!

<br /><br /><br /> Have you found out yet? I am trying to keep busy and not think about it, but it would be nice if I could find out this week!

How exciting!!! I am happy for you. I have my psych evaluation this week. I am hoping to be scheduled for the end of September. Good luck with everything. Be sure to post afterwards so we all can hear how it went.

I am located in Oklahoma, but I will be having the surgery in Texas. I think I should go to the nutritionist, better safe than sorry. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

Thanks so much. I looked and looked for that info. I appreciate the page number! From what I read, it says that you need a three month supervised diet, as well as nutrition counseling. My three month supervised diet is with my PCP. So, I am thinking I will need to see a nutrionist also. I have an appointment scheduled with a nutrionist on Wednesday, but it is two hours away and a $75 copay. I am thinking I should just do it. It won't be for nothing if I don't need it......at least I will learn something. Did you do a supervised diet and also meet with a nutritionist?

After weeks of waiting, my initial consult is tomorrow. I am so excited to get this journey started! I just hope I ask all the questions that need to be asked. Here is what I have so far: Is it Outpatient/inpatient surgery? Is the Anesthesiologist- a service provider? Complication from getting pregnant a year after surgery? Complications - leaks? Cause heartburn? what size bougie do you use? How many Sleeves have you done? How do you re-inforce your staple line? How long do you keep your patients in the hospital? How long is the pre-op diet? Pre-op diet - shakes how much sugar, Proteins, and what else do you eat? What type of meds do you prescribe when discharged? How long before I can return to work? What pre-op testing do you require? What other tests will be done (already have nut and psych scheduled) Will I be able to still take birth control? Can you think of any other questions to ask? Thanks so much!

Thanks for your help!! Great suggestions.

Thanks so much for the replies. They have really helped calm my nerves.

So, I think I have finally decided to go with Dr. Nick Nicholson in Plano for my sleeve surgery. I have BCBS Federal insurance. My first appointment with Dr. Nicholson isn't until August 4th. Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Nick Nicholson and used BCBS Federal? The doctor's office told me over the phone that the surgery is covered; however, I want to hear first hand from people that have had the surgery. They told me there is a three month wait period. What all has to be done during those three months? If I have had doctors supervise other diets before, do I still have to have the doctor's supervision diet? What else has to be done with this insurance and doctor? Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks for the info! I have my initial consult with Dr. Nick on August 4th. I have been going to my PCP for a supervised diet since May 3rd. My last appointment with him is August 11th. I have my nut and psych evaluation scheduled for August 10th. So, I guess after they get all my letters from the nut, psych, and PCP I can send everything off to BCBS. What other records did you send? I have records from about five years ago when I took phentermine for a few months. I also have weight watchers online receipts I could provide from earlier this year. Do you think that will help? Also, I live in Oklahoma. I was wondering if I could go ahead and schedule the surgery and do everything I need to do at the initial consult so I don't have to miss work and drive back down. Do you think that is possible? Let me know how your meeting goes with Dr. Nick. Maybe we can have the surgery around the same time! Good luck!

I have my initial consult with my surgeon in August. I am already on my second month of the required three month supervised diet. I am beginning to second guess my decision to have VSG. I have really been researching the complications, and I am starting to get anxious. I have a two-year-old daughter and work full-time, so I have no time to be sick from complications. I would love to hear from other sleevers that have had good/bad experiences. I have reflux now, so will it be unbearable afterwards? Last year, they found a small hiatal hernia (they told me 80% of people have them and it wasn't a bad hernia) - will this affect my surgery? Also, the possibility of leaking has me really concerned. I have also read that many people have their gallbladder removed after getting sleeved. Please tell me your situation and if the reward is worth the risks. Thanks so much!

Thank you all for the great responses. You all have really helped calm some of my fears. I plan on talking to the surgeon in great length about all my concerns, but it is nice hearing the encouragement from everyone.

Thanks so much for the replies. I actually have a coworker that used Dr. Nicholson and loves him. So, I made the initial appointment. I am excited!!

I am trying to decide on having the sleeve surgery in the Plano or Dallas area. I have BCBS federal insurance. I would love any suggestions regarding the best doctor in this area and what are the requirements before the surgery. Any info would be greatly appreciated!