artsy298

I have BCBS federal in NC and I have called them twice to find out what the Bmi requirements are for the sleeve. I just get told to look in my book which tells me nothing specific. Can anyone tell me what the sleeve BMI must be for the sleeve and how long it must have been that high. Thank you I am going nuts!

If you want to be healthy and not just lose weight I would suggest you stay clear of artificial sweetners. Go to Dr Mercola's website and buy whey protien powder there. I've been using it for over a year. No nasty after taste and you can feel good about not drinking a bunch of chemicals.

Thanks to all of you for responding. I have made an appt with Frye in Hickory after talking to them for about 30 min. Sounds like I should qualify and hopefully I can get this ball rolling. Thanks again

I'm going to the info seminar next week in Asheville. Has anyone been banded there? If so do you have any recommendations as to which Dr is better? thanks

Hi, Thats the doc that spoke at the seminar. Please let me know how it goes for fills and follow up visits.

Hi Mary, That is great! I'm so glad for you. I am just starting the process so hearing how well it went is encouraging. Who is your doc? I went to the info meeting at Mission but don't have a doctor yet. I'm trying to find out who is good in this area. Let me know how your doing. I wish you great success.

Hi Mary, Congratulations, I wish I were that close to banding. Could you please tell me where to look for the link for shake recipes. Thanks and good luck!:smile2:

Has anybody had a Dr other than Edwards from the Mission program? I have my 1st appt in Sept which seems like forever from now. My ins requires 6 mos, so I'm looking at atleast 8 mos til banding. Almost depressing.

Wow, I am sooo glad you told me about this before I got any further. No way am I going to have him. I am so sorry your going through this. It's such a big decision to have surgery and then not to have a supportive doctor sucks. Is the person from your church losing? What kind of diet do they have you on now?

Thanks so much. My friend met someone banded by Dr Edwards. She is going with me to the seminar and she was planning on using him. The other Dr is Dr Bradshaw. I really don't want to have someone like that for a Dr. How are you doing with it? I've been reading all kinds of posts. Seems so different for everybody. I'm focused on just getting there at this point. All of the insurance stuff. I have Highmark Blue Shield and they require a 6 month Dr supervised diet and exercise program so it will be spring before I can even get banded. My 1st consult is set for Sept 22. How long did you have to wait?

congratulations on your pregnancy!

Hi, I'm just starting the process. Got my ins info in the mail yesterday. Highmark PPO. Yes, they approve it but must have documented 6 month DR supervised diet and exercise program within the last 2 years. Is there any way around this? I'm so disappointed. Thanks :confused2:

Hi, found out today that the ins covers part of the exercise program that is set up through the place that does the surgery. I'm wondering how much weight they expect you to lose in the 6 months. My BMI is about 41, it has to be 40 for ins to cover.

Hi, I'm from near Asheville, NC. Just starting the process!

Well after spending 2 hours on this site last night I realized most ins co require this. Today I set up an appt for free seminar next week and consult appt for Sept22, 1st opening! Now I have to find out where to go for this diet and excercise program and does my ins cover that. I'm sure the ins co makes it difficult so you will give up. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm glad I found this site.