Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

BCBS Illinios questions HELP!!



Recommended Posts

:) Hi, I need help from someone. I am a 30 year old woman that weighs in at 275 pounds. I have battled my weight my whole life. Just recently did I cross over the 40 B.M.I., and need serious help. I have tried so many diets in the past Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Fit America, Slim Fast, Phentermine (prescription), counting calories, etc, etc. I have lost 30 pounds and then put it all back on and then some once I tried to eat regularly.

I have back problems now front a car accident. My doctor told me that I need back surgery, but that I should have weight loss surgery before I have back surgery. There are more risks to the back surgery since I am overweight. I have seen my primary care physician once for weight and he sent me to a nutritionist. Didn't do much good...the nutritionist just told me "what I should be eating regarding portions" I know this, but don't do it. So anyways, I have called about Lap Band surgery. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO.

BCBS's website says that I have to have a five year medically documented history of morbid obesity. I don't have this in my medical history. I have always been heavy and overweight but not this heavy. It also said that I have to see my doctor for wieght loss for a 12 month period before I can qualify. Are there any ways around this? Has anyone else ever heard of needing a 5 year history of obesity that has been medically documented?

I really need this surgery to help out with my back pain. I am so young still and find myself exhausted. I don't have kids but want to be able to one day. I need help...anyone have any advice regarding getting this procedure covered and where I should start....

Thanks, Cheri:phanvan

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

HI Cheri,

The first thing you need to do is go to your PCP and ask for a referral to go to Lapband surgeon. You might have to go to some type of meeting before they make your 1st appt. And regarding your insurance

you should just call them and find out what the requiremets are all insurances are diferent with diferent policies. In My insurance website i found out the same thing you did and but i got approved in one day!!!!so my advise will be to call them directly and find out. And if you have been over weight and have co-morbies they might not need any of the "other junk" that they require!!! Don't let this be a set back for you! Good luck to you. And i hope this helped! keep us informed.:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

    • Alisa_S

      Bought a treadmill and some 5 lb weights. Time to get off my butt and get moving!
      · 1 reply
      1. DaisyChainOz

        That's a great choice! 😊

    • DaisyChainOz

      Surgery done!  Really looking forward to the next chapter 🥳😁
      · 3 replies
      1. GreenTealael

        Congratulations!!🎉

      2. Bugzy46

        Congrats

      3. Alisa_S

        Fantastic! Best of luck to you & I hope you're healing nicely & not having much pain!🙏

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×