Hi:
I understand your frustration, but not to worry. It is just a formality. I have BCBS and here is what I did to get approved. I had my private doctor write me a letter stating that I was obese and needed to lose more than 50 lbs. The letter also stated that I have joint pain, sleep apnea, depression, high cholesterol for over a year, and all of these problems are related to my weight. She also stated that I have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight for over 20 years (which is true) and that she has been counseling me about nutrition and weight loss for over a year (which is also true). Finally, she wrote that she supports my decision to have this procedure. The letter MUST state that you have no cardiac or respiratory problems that would put you at risk for this surgery.
I also had a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, nutritional and psych eval (required by BCBS). I submitted all this to the surgeon, who then turned it in to BCBC, and they approved me in 5 days. BCBC does not require any weight loss befor the surgery. Only a BMI of 40 or 35 with a secondary illness such as Diabetes. My surgery is scheduled for 11/20/09. Hope this helps;0)