BCBS Federal Requirements for Lap Band

[ladybug108 7]

Thanks Dober. That was a worry of mine and I was scared to ask!

They put me on sugar busters already because if the psych eval snag up didn't happen' date=' I would have already been banded. I had a couple of tantrums having to wait because I wanted to have that "last meal" but like someone told me... that is the food addiction talking. I allowed myself to have one last treat a couple of days ago and ended up barely touching it (a cupcake) because it was too sweet! It was so not worth it! However, I had to figure that out on my own. After that, I have no desire for sweets. Plus, I've found healthy alternatives anyway. One example is that fruit tastes really sweet now![/quote']

Awesome! I can do no sugar added low fat ice cream lol! Love that stuff! Seems like you have the hang of it.

[Shelleymb 75]

I'm getting excited. I'm scared. Don't want to lose too much weight.

I was scared of this too while going through my supervised diet so I asked the clinic and they said that the only weight that bcbs sees is the starting weight and BMI, the 3 month diet is all about making lifestyle choices and making your goals.

[ladybug108 7]

Shelley are you already banded? Thanks for the great info. I'm using the mobile site so I can't see any stats if you have any posted.

[Shelleymb 75]

Shelley are you already banded? Thanks for the great info. I'm using the mobile site so I can't see any stats if you have any posted.

My surgery date is this Friday. I am still on my liquid diet for a few more days. Did you insurance company say that you had to start over on you nutrition/supervised diet? Because that makes no sense.

[ladybug108 7]

The doctor's office said not the insurance company.

[Shelleymb 75]

Oh no, that sucks, because BCBS would have excepted it most likely. They seem pretty lax on everything

[ladybug108 7]

After I do my nutritional assessment I will ask them to send it through and let it come back. If insurance says I need recent I will already be almost two months in.

[LapbandLo 294]

I have BC of CA and I have a 6 month plan including once a month meeting to weigh in 3 physical therapy visits, 2 or 3 nutrition visits, and 2 or 3 psychiatry visits. I'm entering into month two and it sucks cuz I'm ready but hopefully things will move quick!

[ladybug108 7]

Glad I don't have CA that seems like a lot. Have you known others to use CA? It also sounds very expensive.

[BigOBoy123 67]

When I called my insurance which is BCBS Federal to get their requirements they said one of them was proof of three months of supervised weight loss. I'm just wondering if this 3 month period has to be immediately before the surgery, or can it be any 3 months before, but within the last year. If so I already have that 3 months worth od data.

[pinx 18]

BigOBoy, I am waiting for approval right now. I was told 3-5 days, then 7-10 days, and now I'm being told Thursday at the latest that there were higher priority cases (ie., cancer). I was told it looks good so far though, so I will update whenever I get word. I believe my program began in January of 2012 and went on for 4 months, but don't quote me on that. I know it was not right before I started the process or within 6 months of it! I hope that helps.

My paperwork was submitted on a Friday afternoon. Since it is not a full day, I am not counting it toward the time frame this has taken for approval once all paperwork was submitted.

Friday is 10 business days not counting Saturdays. Insurance is open on Saturdays, I think. If so, today is day 9 counting Saturdays.