chriper

true that!

thanks for the warning, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for that.

OK so i had my last appointment today in my 3 month supervised weight loss attempts. Sad to say I haven't lost any weight. In fact, I may have gained weight during the last 3 months. Don't take me the wrong way, I've been watching my intake, exercising, and all, but my doctor noted I am carrying a lot of excess water weight. I am already on 2 blood pressure pills and I have an extra water pill to take as needed, but I was told not to take it daily, so I haven't. The result, a lot of extra water weight which is messing with my numbers. My PCP put a note regarding this in her letter to the bariatric team so they would know the cause, I just hope its enough to get me approved. I don't think I could face rejection.

Yeah I received my approval letter from BCBS today in the mail. A copy was mailed to my doctors office as well, so once they receive their letter the coordinator will call me and I will get scheduled! Can't wait. I'll keep you all posted. :tt2:

It only took about a week for approval. I called to check on the paperwork once to confirm they received it, and about a week later and it had already been approved and mailed out. Before apply/submitting my paperwork I spoke with a BCBS rep on the phone and we reviewed my expenses. Since I have the PPO and its an outpatient procedure, i have no copay at all. So far all I've had are my regular copays for the visit to the doctor. Oh one exception, they don't cover visits to the nutritionist but since i'd seen her before under my previous insurance, the hospital gave me a discount.

OK tomorrow is my last appointment with my primary care physician for the 3 month supervised weight loss attempt. I am a little nervous about it. I haven't had much of a weight loss even though i appear smaller. I am afraid they will deny me because of this. I've done all i could do, so now it will be a waiting game.

OK I'm logging off for the day and I am going to force myself to have a good outlook. I just spoke with BCBS regarding a claim they didn't pay (turns out they don't cover nutritional services at a hospital or outpatient clinic) and while I had them on the phone i asked about the process. The customer service rep was really nice. She told me her friend had the procedure done in November and how great she's doing. She gave me encouragement, stating the plan doesn't require you to lose weight in the 3 mnths just to go through the program. She also said not to freak if by chance I get a rejction letter. Most often its becuae some piece of info is missing and once they receive it, the procedure is approved. So I guess I can sleep better at night. Enjoy the weekend!

wow I'm hearing a lot more about the process taking a year so I am blessed its only taking 3 months (hopefully). All is in now so I just have to wait.

I'm hoping to have the same results. My pressure was good today. It was 116/72 and that's with two pressure pills. I need to realize that its out of my hands now so no need to worry now.

Oh I hope youre correct. I am too excited about my new life, just can't wait.

Oh, ok. I guess that makes sense. My insurance company only requires 3 months of supervised weight loss, but that concerns me becuase my doctor and I have tried everything already. I met with a nutritionist for months last year, i've worked with a trainer, I even tried the weight loss drug but I couldn't stay on it because it raised my blood pressure too high. If i could lose the weight on diet and exercise alone, i wouldn't be seeking the lap band. I stay in the gym and on the last visit i lost only 3lbs in a month. My doctor thinks it could have been more but i was severly swollen with water on my feet and ankles. i'll keep at it, i just hope it doesn't stop my approval.

That's awesome! I know that had to be a relief after your experience last year. I'm curious, did they expect you to lose any weight for approval?

Has anyone had the procedure performed by Dr Denham? Any feedback is appreciated.

wow that was fast. My policy makes me wait 3 months waiting period it doesn't seem like you had to do that. My consult was 5/20, nutrition 6/3, pysch eval 6/10 and pcp visits 5/24, 6/18, 7/19, and 8/13. Its so drawn out. But your story gives me hope.

Well here we are at the end of July and in about a months time I should hear if I will be approved for surgery by my insurance company. I have one last apppintment with my primary physician on 8/19 then all the paperwork will go to BCBSIL for approval. I pray that it goes through. I can't wait to go to the gym and have people stare becuase they admire my body instead of wondering what I'm doing there. I'm looking forward to my skinny jeans becoming my fat jeans, and most of all I'm looking foward to being off of high blood pressure meds. I tell you this 3 month waiting period is racking my nerves.

I am in the preop process as well, but I can give a suggestion if your constantly thirsty; suck on ice cubes. It will satisfy the thirst in your month and the water will go down at a much slower rate.

Thank you all for your post. I was concerned about this too. I have my final appointment on 8/19 for my 3 month supervised weight loss attempt then it goes to the insurance company. My BMI is well over 40, and I am on blood pressure meds, but I am concerned over if they are expecting me to lose a lot of weight during this time. My doctor, nutrionist and I have worked hard over the last few years but while I lose inches I don't lose wieght...should I be concerned?

No Honey you are not alone. I don't want to be skinny, and based on my body type I doubt I will ever be skinny. But I can't wait to see size 12/14 again! I am in the same boat as you. Had the dietician visit, psyche eval, and support group meeting. I'm doing my 3 months visit with my doc and i have my second appointment tomorrow. I'm hoping to be banded by August but the surgeon hasn't given me a date yet. Best of luck, we'll get through it!