Lov3ly773

There is nothing to be sorry about, I'm in a position that... for once, I can finally have this surgery, after being told the surgery isn't covered or a list of requirements that I couldn't meet. I can wait the 12 months, that'll give me time to right the wrongs, stop smoking, practice portion control, research nutrition/ understanding it 100%, and get mentally prepared. I'm grateful that I don't have any other requirements that could delay this.

So, I called the Bariatric coordinator on my lunch break and was completely shocked how cheerful she was too me, opposed to our last conversation on Friday ( she just totally blew me off with, you can't start the process until after a year... Goodbye). So she cleared everything up, which I still think is a load! So, the plan is to attend my consult on the Sept 9th and have all the pre-op testing and paperwork completed, but she doesn't plan on submitting my paperwork to the insurance company until after I've been with my PCP for 1 year. WHICH IS ODD, because medical test results change everyday...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Not really worrying about the approval, because I don't have any requirements... all they need is a letter from my PCP saying the procedure is "medically necessary" attached to the packet and it will be covered. Not sure how all this is going to pan out... but hey, I'm planning on stretching it out as long as I can... I'll have a one test done a month if I have too. I need to build up my vacation time anyways... Looks like "2014" will be my sleeve year! LOOKING FORWARD TO IT

Maybe I shouldn't have been so honest about how long I've been seeing my PCP. But I've contacted her, to find out if they will still see me after I've gotten the referral. If not, I'll go to a different facility same surgeon, different bariatric coordinator. Thank you

Right, I've never heard of waiting a year before you can get a referral for bariatric treatment. She tell me my insurance requires it, no... just say your surgery center requires it. But I got the referral anyways, just in case. Since 2004, there has always been a problem... either I didn't have insurance or I had insurance but it didn't cover weight loss surgery.

I finally got my referral, but the bariatric coordinator tells me that I can't start the process unless I've been with my pcp for at least a year? So I contacted my insurance BCBS of Illinois H M O...and they told me, it doesn't matter the time frame to receive a referral. My guess is that, the surgical center has their own requirements... one being that you have to be with your pcp for at least 1 year. Well I have the referral and at least I know that my pcp is weight loss surgery friendly. I'm going to talk to the coordinator again, because she also said that because I have H M O, they require that too... which is not true. What do you think guys??? Do you think I should just find a center that will accept the referral or do they all require you to be with your pcp for a year?

I finally got my referral, but the bariatric coordinator tells me that I can't start the process unless I've been with my pcp for at least a year? So I contacted my insurance BCBS of Illinois ***...and they told me, it doesn't matter the time frame to receive a referral. My guess is that, the surgical center has their own requirements... one being that you have to be with your pcp for at least 1 year. Well I have the referral and at least I know that my pcp is weight loss surgery friendly. I'm going to talk to the coordinator again, because she also said that because I have ***, they require that too... which is not true. What do you think guys???

I just noticed, your having surgery on my birthday...

Its called and Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), also known as stomach stapling, I'm not sure if they are still doing this surgery... you can always call and find out.

A blood test can detect nicotine. the test will detect traces of nicotine only after 24 to 72 hours. This is because nicotine is metabolized so quickly in the body. By the time the nicotine the surgery will be done and over with. My surgeon told me with any surgery, its best to stop 30 before the surgery... but you want to heal and that smoking can cause more problems than healing at a slow rate. I agree with the other post regarding the e-cig, they do help with the cravings.

Congrats... I can understand you being anxious and nervous... but just think of it as a fresh start. I'm still in the beginning stages and probably won't have my surgery til the middle of end of Janurary:(, only because I have to build-up enough time to take 2-weeks off. I find myself watching videos and reading more about the procedure, diets, and a new healthy way of eating. I go to my PCP on the 10th and I'm asking for a referral... ASAP lol

I agree with other comments, you have to make sure your body is get what it needs. If not you body will go into starvation mode, retaining the fat.

Wow... you look great.

It depends on your employer. I also have BCBSIL ***, I work at University of Chicago Medical Center... so naturally any health related surgery would be covered. Contact your benefits department and find out. The employer may not have the bariatric ride attached to their policy for their employees.

Yeah, thats why I say I hope everything goes well with the PCP, understanding that I need a referral. But looking at the bright side, I did choose her to be my PCP lol. We'll know on the 10th of August. I'm so dang on anxious... lol

Just let me know, I work in the DCAM building... it wouldn't be a problem for me to stop by.

I hope so, because I need to do something... this weight is killing me slowly.... plus my litte knees, feet, and toes can't bare the weight anymore.

You in the best of hands, and I'm not saying that because I work there ... Maybe I could stop by the CCD and see how your doing!

That's true and your on the right path...

You almost there... keep us posted!

Congrats, So you'll be having your surgery at university of chicago medical center?

Thank you, I'm 5 mins away from the Austin area. I did the seminar/webinar with the surgeon and was contact twos later to schedule the consult. I'm in the beginning stages, but my insurance is saying they have no requirements, just get the referral and it'll be paid... its up to PCP or medical group. All they told me was that the surgery would be covered at 100% and all other visits and follow-ups would be $10 with referrals. I go for my doctors appointment in the 10th of August to get a referral to see the surgeon in Sep. I've also been talking to a few pre-op nurses that work with me at UCMC, that I made the right decision on the type of surgery to have... considering that I also have PCOS. So I'm ready to get this done and over with so I can get this weight over once and for all.

I don't think you need to be 40... I read about people with a BMI of 35-40 with no cormorbidities getting weight lost surgery. Do your research, because you at the 40 mark!!! I have BCBSIL ***, but my BMI is 45.

Hello ladies, I'm new to the forum with Chicago... I've been considering WLS since 2005, but because of lifes ups and downs... I had to stop the journey . I'm finally in the position to have the surgery. I'm in the beginnig process and I've contacted my insurance company (BCBSIL ***), they of required a letter from my pcp and the surgery would be covered 100% along with the specialist visits (with a referral) with a $10 co-pay. Its really up to my PCP, who I will be meeting for the first time soon. Hoping everything goes smoothly! Does anyone else have BCBSIL ***? What was your process like?