jillissac

That's awesome...it is so encouraging to hear these success stories. I only got banded a little over a week ago. I am still eating soup and liquids. I do get hungry...but fill up on very little, so it seems to be doing what it's suppose to! I have lost 15 pounds since Started the 10 day liquid diet. So far so good! Jill

I think all Anthem is different. I am in Ohio and my husband works at GM. Our insurance approved me within a week of submitting it. I am having surgery in 5 days. I have a BMI of 37, joint pain and GERD. They will be paying 100% and I only have to pay my copay for fills. But like I said, there are many different plans. Good luck.

All of you give me such encouragement. I get banded Friday, September 26th, 2008. I am on day 6 of my pre-op liquid diet. It gets me so excited to hear of all you making your goal..and then some. :girl_hug: I love this thread!!!

BCBS of OH just authorized my surgery. I recieved a letter today for approval. I have a BMI of 37 with only joint pain and sleepless nights. No "documented" comorbities. Good Luck with yours. It only took 1 week to get a reply.

I just received a letter today from my insurance company authorizing my lap band!! I have a BMI of 37. My comorbities are joint pain, sleepless nights, and history of diabetes. Nothing really significant or documented. My PCP is awesome and really supported my decision. I also submitted a letter to the insurance company with my medical history stating why I felt I needed the surgery. I am so excited! I am hoping to lose 80 pounds! Hopefully i will be able to schedule my surgery soon. I can hardly wait til Monday to call their office!

I f your insurance has an exclusion...I don't think there is anyway you can get them to pay for it. Your bariatric doctors office may have a suggestion, but paying out of pocket is probably going to be your only choice.

You look awesome...congratulations!

Hi. Just curious...My BMI is <40 also (with Anthem BCBS). Wondering what comorbs you had to get approved. My PCP is all for the surgery and wants to help all he can. I have issues but not severe (yet).

I have GM Anthem BCBS. I am just beginning my journey down the approval path. My BMI is <40 but my PCP is all for me getting lapband. He is writing up comorbs for insurance to approve. I have psych eval 7/16, stress test 7/17 and first appt. with lapband Dr. 7/29. I went to the seminar and spoke with the Dr. and he seemed to believe it would go through. Keeping hopes high. Jillissa

No my husband works for GM. Congratulations on your success! I really hope my insurance approves...it will be the only way for me. GOod Luck!

Grandview Hospital in Dayton Ohio is a Center of Excellence. I just attended the seminar Thusrday and they mentioned this.