Cynrey

I have Fed BCBS and they require a 3 month consecutive physician supervised diet. It has to be an appointment each month near the same date every month for 3 months in a row. I got approved and had my VSG on Dec 6, 2017. Good luck!

I called them when it was one week. They told me it had been approved that day. If you call them you may find out before your surgeon is notified.

Thank you sleeveme!

Thanks so much!!! I’m lucky in that my surgeon only requires 2 days of clear liquids and a clear protein drink each of those 2 days. Spent this past weekend having “food funerals “. LOL. After surgery I’ll post when I’m able

I’m glad I could help. BCBS has been great! One you have everything done and it is submitted , they approved me in less than a week. I am having my surgery on this Wednesday, Dec 6th. Started my clear liquid diet today. So nervous!

I'm not sure about being disqualified for losing weight during the diet. I only lost a couple of pounds during mine because I wasn't sure either. My weigh ins during the 3 months were fairly consistent, within a few pounds. I understand about the losing/ regaining..... I've always had that problem too. Frustrating! I lost 50 pounds a few years ago and gained it all back, plus 30. Ugh My out of pocket was co pays for all PCP visits ($30 each) co pays for the surgeons visits ($40 each, only 2 of those) $175 for the NUT one on one consult, $200 for surgeon fee (for performing the surgery) , co pay for the physc ($25), co pay for pre op ($40), $175 for 1 night in hospital. I had to see a cardiologist once because of my age, ($40) The NUT classes were free. So, about $825 hope this helps

I have Fed BCBS basic. I just got approved and am having my surgery on Wednesday. Their requirements are a BMI of at least 35 or above. If your BMI is over 35 but under 40, then you must have at least 2 comorbities such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea. 40 and above BMI doesn't require any comorbitiy. They require 3 months (in a row) of a supervised diet plan with your physician , a referral and letter of medical neccessity from your physician and a history of obesity. Because of the required 3 month supervised diet it takes at least that long for approval. My gastric surgeon's practice is the one who required the NUT, Physc eval, and a few classes. It sounds daunting, but it wasn't that bad. I started in July and good approved in November. Mine took that long because of the 3 months consecutive appointments that were needed with my doc. Good luck to you !

Hi everyone, I just received my insurance approval for the sleeve on Friday. I am really struggling with the decision to go forward or not. I have a good friend and her and I decided to do this journey together so we could support each other. She had a lap band years ago that failed so she was doing a revision to the sleeve. Her insurance approved hers sooner than me (different surgeon too) so she wound up going in on Oct 16 to have hers done. Well, I am sorry to report that the poor thing is STILL in the hospital, almost 1 month later! She was in the ICU for 2 weeks of that time and nearly died. She had a bowel perforation, 2 esphoghus tears, leaks, ICU delirium, and massive infections. The doctors have said that when she is able to be released she is going to require extensive physical therapy due to the weakness from being bedridden. Sitting here watching this unfold has been terrifying and needless to say, has me thinking "hell no". I am so confused 😔

Thank you for the prayers! Yes, she went in on Oct 16th and still hasn't come home. She is slowly improving, thank God. I'm scheduled for Dec 6th but I don't think I am going through with it. Too scary, I'm chickening out, and in the beginning I was so excited. Now I'm just sad and disappointed that I don't have the nerve to proceed.

Well as of today my friend is still in the hospital, 40 days now. The good news is they have moved her out of ICU, so that is a big improvement!

Yes, we are lucky. The 2 week liquid diet would be difficult

Thank you! Good luck to you as well. We got this!

Hi! Thanks! I only have to do a clear liquid diet for the 2 days prior to surgery.

I'm scheduled for Dec 6th! Good luck to everyone! We are gonna rock this !

I am scheduled for surgery Dec 6th, so I have been busy buying all of my "supplies". I actually asked my NUT about the patches before I bought my multi vitamin and she said the patches were fine to use. I guess every program is different.

Hello! I am scheduled for my surgery Dec 6th too ! I am scared and anxious too, so I understand how you feel. I wish you the best of luck in your journey !

Thank you. I keep thinking how nice it will be to get off that "yo-yo" rollercoaster with my weight. From everything I have read those bands cause a lot of problems- while they're in and then when they do a revision 😔 My friend had her band in for about 8 years.

Oh that is so cool! 😊 Best of luck to you and I'll look forward to talking after!

Thank you Goddessmoon. My surgeon’s office called me today and my surgery is scheduled for December 6. I pray I don’t chicken out. My friend had another set back and is back in the ICU. Since my family is seeing this happen to her they are adamant against me having the surgery. I am so grateful for everyone here and all of the support. So glad I found this site. Again, thank you

Thank you. I will be sure to ask my surgeon those questions

Thank you so much!