How Quick Is This Process ....

[cmoody821 44]

I had my inital appointment yesterday, They gave me the out of pocket expenses for the insurance and completed my blood work, EKG and pulmonary test. I have my psych eval tomorrow morning. Once the results come back on the blood work and psych eval they are going to submit for approval.

I have BCSC Anthem and have been told they are typically very quick at responding (1-2 weeks). Has anyone else had this insurance? How long does it typically take from start to finish? Thankfully my insurance doesn't have a long list of requirements and my BMI is at 41.5.

Please let me know about your experience.

[Sara75 8]

That told me that my blood tests were only good for a month. I have Anthem and it went very fast when I had everything turned in. Good luck. My guess is within 30 days you'll be having surgery.

[cmoody821 44]

Thats good news. I don't want to get my hopes up but my birthday is in August and I would love to have the surgury before then. Im going through True Results and they seem to streamline everything.

Have you already had your procedure? How has it worked for you?

[Sara75 8]

I had my surgery last Friday, May 18. It's going well but since I haven't had a fill yet I feel no restriction. I'm trying to follow the post op diet but it's been hard because I don't feel much different than before. However with the pre-op and post-op diet I've lost about 13 pounds so that's good.

[Jim1967 3,569]

Typically that first month after surgery is really a healing time and weight may fluctuate or you could be one of those lucky ones who gets instant restriction and never need an adjustment. I felt restriction the first few weeks then it went away and I felt like I never had the surgery. I assumed it was nothing more than swelling from the surgery subsiding. Following a good diet is essential as the band cannot do all the work.

[daisychains7 427]

I have BCBS as well and was approved in 2 weeks. My BMI at the start of my 6 month required diet was 48, BMI by the time I got approval was 44. I was banded on 5/8 and am in the healing process. Even though this has been a huge adjustment so far (mentally more than anything), I am happy I did this.

[cmoody821 44]

Daisychains - How long from your inital consulation to the actual surgury day? It seems like everyone's case is differnt.

[elgrande 55]

I heard back from Blue cross with in a week. Right after i heard from them, they scheduled my surgery.

[daisychains7 427]

Daisychains - How long from your inital consulation to the actual surgury day? It seems like everyone's case is differnt.

From my first appointment to my surgery day was about 7 1/2 months, because my insurance required the 6 month diet.

[NWgirl 574]

I have an Anthem BCBS national plan with no supervised diet requirements. From first appointment to surgery was two months. I received approval right after one month, but my surgeon was booked so I had to wait three more weeks for surgery.

[cmoody821 44]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I will be sure to update. Hope to submit for approval by the end of next week, if my blood work comes back normal.

[xavtay2 85]

Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones who does not have to wait 6-months! WOW...congrats

[cmoody821 44]

Yes, I am very lucky. I would be going crazy waiting for 6 months. My insurance just switched this years, im somewhat glad i waited a year to have this done. It seems the process is much easier than it would have been.

[OldMomOf3 52]

Anthem BC of CA, I had my first visit and was approved 5 days later. No diet required. The doctor's office was so sure I'd be approved that they scheduled my surgery when I was finished with my consult. My BMI is 41, and I have HBP.

Unfortunately, due to my schedule, I had to make the surgery apt for 2 months after my consult. I'm being banded June 21.

[Bamabander 111]

I have Highmark BCBS. Took 2 hours for approval and from submitting to surgery is 2 weeks... But I started back in September with 6 month diet!!! Good luck!