how long did it take for insurance to approve surgery?

SaraLW · May 16, 2011

Hi I am just trying to get started with this process. I did work with a bariatric doctor all last year trying to lose weight and did great when he had me on the meds. The minute the meds didn't work anymore I gained back all but 15 pounds. I have never tried to put in the request yet for the insurance to approve surgery, I actually go to the first imformational seminar this week. I have been wanting to do the lapband surgery for a few years now but wanted to give it one more try losing weight without it. I am just wondering if anyone has insurance through the laborers blue cross and if they have approved the surgery. The insurance would not approve payment for any of the weight loss appointments last year and they are pretty ignorant when we try to get anything accomplished through them. Just wanting some advice if anyone has any on the best way to approach them and get them to approve the surgery? I also have issue with my triglycerides being way too high. I just really want to get healthy and stay that way and am not sure how much trouble the insurance is going to be and cant afford it without it

Thanks for any helpful info~

Malcolm · May 17, 2011

Hi Sara,

I started the process last July. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama requires at least six months of supervised weight loss attempts, including 7 visits with a registered dietitian at monthly intervals, visits with your personal doctor (before, middle, and after the6 month period), and a multitude of tests. My surgeon required that I lose 35 lbs before the surgery. I finally got through all the hoops and was banded on 5/11/11. Doing well so far.

thegoodwife · May 18, 2011

Hi I am just trying to get started with this process. I did work with a bariatric doctor all last year trying to lose weight and did great when he had me on the meds. The minute the meds didn't work anymore I gained back all but 15 pounds. I have never tried to put in the request yet for the insurance to approve surgery, I actually go to the first imformational seminar this week. I have been wanting to do the lapband surgery for a few years now but wanted to give it one more try losing weight without it. I am just wondering if anyone has insurance through the laborers blue cross and if they have approved the surgery. The insurance would not approve payment for any of the weight loss appointments last year and they are pretty ignorant when we try to get anything accomplished through them. Just wanting some advice if anyone has any on the best way to approach them and get them to approve the surgery? I also have issue with my triglycerides being way too high. I just really want to get healthy and stay that way and am not sure how much trouble the insurance is going to be and cant afford it without it

Thanks for any helpful info~

thegoodwife · May 18, 2011

My suggestion is to contact your insurance company and ask for a copy of the written policy on approvals for bariatric surgery. They will most likely give you instructions on how to find it on thier website. I would take that to a bariatric surgeon - strongly suggest looking for a bariatric center of excellence. On the initial visit my surgeon was able to give me the name and contact information for a nutritionist and a psychologist. From my first visit with the surgeon to my surgey date it took me 3 1/2 months. I was able to count previous attempts to lose weight with a plan called Thin and Healthy towards the supervised weight loss and I was able to get records from my local Patient First for the 2 year weight history.

Good luck in your journey!

SaraLW · May 18, 2011

My suggestion is to contact your insurance company and ask for a copy of the written policy on approvals for bariatric surgery. They will most likely give you instructions on how to find it on thier website. I would take that to a bariatric surgeon - strongly suggest looking for a bariatric center of excellence. On the initial visit my surgeon was able to give me the name and contact information for a nutritionist and a psychologist. From my first visit with the surgeon to my surgey date it took me 3 1/2 months. I was able to count previous attempts to lose weight with a plan called Thin and Healthy towards the supervised weight loss and I was able to get records from my local Patient First for the 2 year weight history.

Good luck in your journey!

Thank you for the information! I did go through a board certified baratric weight doctor so hopefully that will count! I appreciate the info from everyone it seems a bit less stressful going through all the hoops:)