carolinagirl1991

I had my final appointment in Mooresville NC last Wednesday and was so excited hoping I would hear something by this week...called the insurance company yesterday and they said they had not received my claim yet then called my doctor and they said could take up to THREE WEEKS after final appointment before they submit because it can take that long to get the report from the psych evaluation and then I am at the mercy of the insurance company!!! I know this is a long process and patience is key but I was told that I would most likely have a surgery date by end of September and I was hoping first week of October because I have a few days off school!! I'm getting so antsy at the waiting and I really won't even know when it's submitted and I don't want to bug the docs office by constantly calling!!! It's frustrating so im turning to my fellow sleevers for some words if wisdom......

@ miclev and gytn.....I called my insurance company today to see how my claim was coming along and they said they hadn't received my paperwork yet from dr.heiders office so I called Bobbie to see what was going on and she said it Could take up to THREE WEEKS before she could submit it :-O I'm running out of time for my hopeful surgery date!!! How long did it take them to get your paperwork together, sent out, and approved?!?!

I am a patient if Dr heider too...small small world!! I have just sent in my paperwork hope for approval tomorrow or early next week shooting for an early October date!!! Good luck on your surgery!!!!

I am a Zumba fanatic going to classes five days a week at my local gym. My Zumba instructor prides herself on being about as hard core as they come there is no mercy in her class. My question is how long after surgery can I return to such vigorous physical activity without risking any issues?? Thanks in advance for any responses :-)

@ mandapanda I LOVE Zumba it's not like working out its like dancing and it's a great time...I personally don't like the games but everyone is different I defiantly recommend the classes though...3 weeks seems soon I may wait a little bit but good for you getting back out there so early you are stronger than ill probably be haha... Good luck to everyone!!!

Has anyone been approved without a letter of medical necessity from their PCP...I know this sounds childish but I'm slightly afraid to go and ask for one and her give me the whole lecture on eating better and exercising...like hello?!?! You don't think I've already tried that?! And then do something where she messes up my chances of getting approved like putting me on a diet where I can't get approved until I've completed it or something!!! Any advice here?!?

I'm in mooresville getting sleeved by dr. Heiden at lake norman regional medical center...paperwork should be submitted September 4 to BCBS IL..so hopefully approval soon after and end of September surgery date...fingers crossed!!! Good luck to everyone on their journey

I think it varies by who you go to with my particular surgeon they have a "program" you follow so you have your initial consult and if he feels you are a good candidate he will have you meet for your psych and nutrition consult which they have in office and at some point you meet with a physical therapist across the street once you've completed all three steps they submit if your approved you got through a workshop and diet and pre op testing ekg etc...if you have to go out of office you can probably go ahead a schedule it. As for the testing there are a couple my surgeon requires but I'm sure you could ask your office... Usually you request the letter from the PCP but again if you have questions that can't be answered from someone on here you can call your surgeon they are usually very friendly I hope this helps :-)

WELCOME!!!! It is definately exciting when you finally get the ball rolling...when you meet with the surgeon he/she will basically tell you about the surgery and answer any questions you may have...ASK QUESTIONS it is super important and they are happy to answer them...there are no dumb questions...soon after you should be able to do your psych eval and nutritionist visit...my office requires a physical therapy consult but I think that varies by office..after that you should be able to send in for approval once approved you meet with your surgeon again set your surgery dat do your post op testing and any pre op diets...I have heard BCBS IL is not a difficult to get approved since they changed their criteria as long as you meet the requirements..... It is a nerve wrecking process and it helps to be able to talk about it with people going through the process too...I have my psych and nutritionist on sept 4 and should be submitted that day...hopefully surgery end of sept fingers crossed!!! If you don't mind me asking what tests are you getting through your PCP?? GOOD LUCK!!! Keep us posted!!!!

That is my situation too...and you have already Been approved??

Good luck to you on your process my paper work should be submitted September 4 so hopefully approved and surgery so after...what is your BMI and co morbs if any if you don't mind me asking.

Thanks so much hope to have my date end of September beginning of October!! Good luck to you and thanks again for your response, support, and help!!!

Thanks for your response I go for my final appointments September 4th should get paper work submitted that way,..insurance specialist at surgeons office told me the basic plan it what I need to look at...just a stressful process ill be okay once approval comes through fingers crossed :-) thanks if I need any additional info or help I will be sure to let you know...thanks so much

I have contacted and KNOW they cover it just cannot get a straight answer from any one!!! Thanks for the input it is greatly appreciated!!!!

As far as I have been informed if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea it IS a co morbidity I don't believe there has to be a certain type or level as long as you have been diagnosed...I could be incorrect but that is the impression I am under by my insurance and dr.

Thank you kasey...I have read the online policy and it does not mention the diet or a letter or weight history I'm just worrying myself by reading Forums about others experience....it is a nerve wrecking process...thank you for you advise I appreciate it :-)

Having my first appointment this Tuesday...BMI of 40 with sleep apnea...I have BCBS of IL through my dads work which i believe is PPO.... I am really concerned about approval...I have read several threads and nothing is consistent....surgeons office said they no longer require six month supervised diet which i am postivs of but do they require a letter of medical necessity and weight history!? I have three years weight history about 35 but I moved to North Carolina And I cannot manage to get a hold of my medical records from my previous doctor. Any advice???