Tamihott

No surprise but I was denied today by bc illinois. I tried to get a good reason as to why and they say lack of documentation on the 6 month diet and missing one of the 5 years obesity records. I am getting some more records together right now, including a detailed summary from my Pcp about my 6 mo diet and a letter from the psychologist that is more detailed. I think the person at my surgeons office, is just not a cheer leader for me right now and I will submit all the info and do the leg work myself. I will continue until there is no hope left. Good luck everyone.

My paperwork was finally submitted to Bc/BS il today. Though my hopes of approval seem small, it was an exciting moment considering all the appts and tests I have been through in the past 8 months. I did get a tenative band date of 8/25/08!! Keep your fingers crossed. Tamara

I actually live in Pa. My husband's company headquarters is in Chicago, so we have il BC/bs

I am on LoEstrin Fe birth control pill and was told that I have to stop taking them 6 wks prior to surgery!!

I finished all my appointments!! I have been doing them since December 07. Jane is supposed to be sending all my info for approval this week. I am not hopeful for an approval the first time around, but lets keeps our fingers crossed.

I just had my upper endoscopy done last tuesday. It was way easier than expected. The nurse that gave the IV was the best no pain no bruising. I was rolled in to the or and put right to sleep only to wake up feeling only a little groggy. I spoke with the dr got up and my hubby drove me home. I slept for 4 hours after I got home. It was like a nice little vacation to me! My surgeone requires the EGD to make sure that your Esophagus is in great working order. I had severe GERD so I was a definite go to have it done. I did have to have my done at the hospital due to the fact that I have sleep apnea. Good luck

My stuff goes out this week to BC BS illinois and boy oh boy I just can't wait to see what they say. I am sure the first attemp will not be successful. They drive me batty and I hear they are one of the toughest insurances to get an approval from. I wish you and me luck.

My insurance carrier BC/BS illinois requires a 5 year history of morbid obesity!! I was ready to file last week and the bariatric cooridiantor called and said I am missing 2004. I did not go to the doctor in 2004 at all. I had just moved from fl to pa. I was told to try and get 2003 well I did and that was the time I had just lost 40lbs on the Atkins diet. I followed the advice of this site and wrote a letter explaining the circumstances and photos. The packet goes out this week. If I am denied I will wait untill 2009 and resubmit as all paperwork for ins (6 month diet is good for 24 months)!! Good luck to us both! Tamara

I have told my husband and my side of the family. I have not told my co workers even though tempted at times, nor have I told my husbands side of the family. My family understands as they have seen me struggle with weight my whole life. I feel as if my "friends" and co workers would just say oh you are not that fat and really not get it. Even when I get the surgery I do not plan on telling my employer the reason for being out, other than I am having surgery. I am not ashamed I am just realistic to the fact that lots of people don't understand.

I finally finish my long 6 month diet jump through those super big hoops in all hopes that my journey will soon be over. After leaving numerous messages with the bariatric coordinator, I call her today and she answers the phone!! Wow!! I say what do we need to do to get this stuff sent to Bc and she said well and was flustered and fumbling and I started to worry. She said we still need documentation from 2004 about your weight, I did not go to the doc in 2004. She said you better start digging or find some 2003 and 2002. Great idea, but considering I was on a power Atkins diet I was not obese in those years to qualify. I am thinking I will just pack on some pounds for the next 6 months and then submit the paperwork in Jan 09. I am not sure if we should send it all of excluding the one year or just wait another 5 months. My mom keeps telling me, "I dont know how you go through all this and don't feel like giving up". Right now I do feel like I am tired mentally from all this crap the doctors and ins put us through.... Any ecouragement or advice is always appreciated. Tamara

Your 6 months will go by super fast. I just finished yesterday and I can't believe it. It helps to have a supportive doctor. Good luck. Tamara

Congratulations on the date!! I finished my 6 month diet today and paperwork will be sent in next week. Now the hard part starts. Keep your fingers crossed guys. I will keep you posted. Good luck to everyone else with this insurance!!! Tamara

I would follow your Mom's suggestion and look for another dr. I did not have to pay a program fee, and from reading on here alot of others did not either. Good luck! Tamara

Sorry for your loss. I truely know how devestated you are. I lost my 4 year old Beagle Reilly two weeks ago. I am saddened and feel as if my home is empty. I am not yet banded, but don't be too hard on yourself. Losing a pet is truly like losing a member of your family. Keep your spirits up. It does get better. Tamara

I am using dr bono as well. I only had to do the 6 month thing because it was an inusrance requirement. I really like him and Jane. He does require loads of testing, but it is just a safety precaution. They will determine what tests based on your history. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Good luck and maybe I will see you at the support groups. Tamara

Thank you soo much everyone for all of your great advice. I will at least know what I am talking about when I am trying to get my mask. The humidifier is something I am happy to hear about, as I am still having issues and my study was Friday. I hope I have as much success as you guys. Thanks again, Tamara!!

Not Yet! Will be sending in the paperwork first week of June! I will keep you informed! You never know! Tamara

I had my CPAP study last night to follow up from my sleep study. I first tried the whole mask and it was ok, until I tried to fall asleep. I felt really clausterphobic and panicked and had them try another one. I went with the air pillow, not sure of the model. It was easier to sleep with, but everytime I had a hypopnea they cranked up the air and I was abuptly awake. I felt like crap when they woke me at 5am. The inside of my nose is super dry and sore. I feel very depressed that I am going to have to do this every night. Any of you pros have any advice for me? Thanks Tamara

Thanks alegna for your info I go tomorrow for my Cpap study. Dreading it! Wish me luck!

I was just thinking about this tonight! I have been lucky soo far as I was not working and have only just started working 5-11pm. It seems now that I have to have and Upper Endoscopy (per surgeon) I will have to ask for a day off. I am not wanting to since I am new and will soon be asking for time off for surgery, but hey I just keep telling myself that it is all worth it. Like previous posts there were many docs willing to schedule on the same day which makes it so much easier. Good luck! Tamara

There was a thread not long ago, where someone had the same issue. I hope all goes well! Good Luck! Tamara

Good luck guys!! Let us know how you are doing. I agree this site has been the best thing ever! Tamara

I started my process and all my testing including my 6 months dr visit on 11/28/07 and my official last day is June 4th! It is a process but I am sure it is all worth it. Good luck Tamara

My psych eval was billed to bc and they paid part of it and the rest went toward my deductible. The big chunk was to get the actual report I think total was under 250.00. It was still quite a bit in my eyes, but 1200 sounds way high. Tamara

Congratulations!!