Madine

Ragdollx19, how are you doing since your surgery? I had mine May 31th. I will see my doctor Monday 18th for a follow up. I became very tired of liquid protein drinks after about a week. I have been eating baked potatoes and grilled fish with no problems. The only indication I have of too much food is hiccups. However, I would like to hear how you are doing. I have not heard any news about payment from BCBS Fep, yet. Of course, it has only been two weeks tomorrow. Madine 246 on surgery day, down to 230 today.

I have good news. My doctor's office called me today and said that I did not have to prepay that they would file a claim with BSCS Fed after the surgery. My surgery is scheduled for May 31 now instead of May 25th. I wonder what happen to change their opinion? Madine

Because Fed BCBS of Texas does not pre approve for any procedure. You must file a claim after the surgery for approval. My doctor has not had any prior experience with Fed BCBS and is concerned whether they will pay. Madine

My surgery has been scheduled for May 25, 2007. However, I have agreed to self pay up front and they will file a claim with my insurance after the surgery. I have Fed BCBS. Madine

Thanks for the info. Madine

Hi Ragdollx19 We are in the same area. I have Dr. Snow and I believe Drs. Marsden and Snow are in the same building on Precinct Line Road. Dr.Snow's office has not dealt with Fed Emp before and they are very concerned. Madine

Hi singdeborah, I have fepbcbs and have not had my surgery yet. Did you have any co-morbid conditions; such as hbp, diabetes, coronary heart disease or sleep apnea and 6 month supervised dieting within the last 24 months? I have been told my bcbs, by one person, who said you had to have both requirements. Later another staff person, told me if I had co-morbid conditions that I would not need the 6 month supervised diet. I don't know who to believe or what to do. However, I think I might still give it a try. Madine

Ron, I have FED BCBS of Texas and they approved lap band if you meet the guidelines. However, they do not pre approve the surgery. You have to have the surgery and then make a claim with the requirements: medical necessity and 6 months of supervised dieting within the last 24 months. I have 4 letters from doctors with medical necessity but I do not have the 6 months of supervised dieting. BCBS said after the surgery they would review the claim and then approved or disapproved the claim. Now I don't know what to do. Has anyone had this situation? Please let me know. Thanks, Madine

Glad to hear you are scheduled for 2/20/07. How long did it take from consulation date to scheduling procedure? I had my consultation on January 24th. I have seen my primary care doctor, requested medical records, had lab work, and scheduled chest x-ray. They said it could take up to 6 weeks for an approval from the insurance company. Madine

I am so glad to have found someone who has used Dr. Snow. You sound like you are well pleased with him and your procedure. I have a consultation scheduled with Dr. Snow tomorrow. I hope I will have a good report. Madine.

I went to a seminar presented by Robert G. Snow, D.O. a couple of weeks ago. I have a consultation date on January 24th. However, I really don't know much about him, except he was trained in Australia and has performed more than 1500 lapband surgeries. He has offices in Hurst and Decatur, Texas. Are there any prior patients that have used Dr. Snow? Please, let me know. Thanks, Madine

Has anyone used Dr. John Marsden in Fort Worth, Texas.

Thanks. Sounds like you are doing great. You must be pleased with Dr. Marsden. Madine

This is Madine and I am a new member. I live in Bedford, Texas, and I am considering Lap Banding after the first of the year. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and they will start covering this procedure in 2007. I'm looking for a doctor in network, if you know of any, please advise. Thanks.