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Well my paperwork hasnt even been submitted yet. It should be sent in next week. What was your BMI (if you dont mind my asking)?

Your paperwork is being sent next week but you don't know if your plan covers bariatric surgery. I'm confused. Have you or your docs office talked to a UHC rep yet? Generally you need to do that before you initiate the process and they would have told you then if it was covered. I had to go through Bariatric Resource Center before I could do any of the preop requirements.

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It really does vary by employer. I suggest you call the 800 number on the back of your card and give them the diagnosis code 278.01 (which is insurance code for morbid obesity), then give them the procedure code for vertical sleeve whic is 43775. If the person at the 800 number doesn't know what these codes are just ask them for the number to "the care team". These are the people that process surgery requests and they know all about these codes. If the person on the phone asks you why you need this number just tell them your having surgery in 5 days ( no harm in telling a itty bitty white lie lol). Once they verify if you are covered have them fax a copy of your coverage and requirements to your surgeon or PCP office. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

PS. If your job doesnt cover the procedure go to your HR department and see if there is a process in order for the job to consider changing its insurance plan to include it.

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I am so nervous had my clearances yesterday cardiologist ..psych..pulmonary...nutritionist...and pcp clearance and 5 years documented weight loss even though I was close to doing gb 16 years ago but was still having children but insurance is well aware had allt he testing then I am so ready now! I am 223 bmi is 39 with hypertension just dx and gerd and borderline diabetic and high cholesteral and severe osteo arthritis in my back and legs so I am praying praying my papers get submitted Monday uhc empire plan Please pray for me!

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Has anyone had any problems getting the gastric sleeve approved with United Health Care?

No, I just had to follow their guidelines. I couldn't get it with Anthem BC/BS. Are they just stupid or what?

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I was told that my UHC required the 6 month diet as well. BUT, my UHC case worker said that was not the case. I am in limbo right now and confused because the doc office case worker gave a one set of "insurance" requirements, but my actual insurance says something else.

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I have UHC and they did require the 6 month diet, coming up on my 5th month weigh in. Have lost 18 pounds so far and the surgeon wants another 20 by my Dec weigh in. All other testing has been complete so they will send in my approval request in Dec after my weigh in and should get a surgery date in Jan.

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    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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