Insurance Question

[Jnandez 1]

I am considering getting the gastric sleeve I have a BMI of 49 and I have Emblemhealth. I just want to know if anyone out there had the surgery with the same insurance and if so what was the process and how long did it take till you got and approval from Emblemhealth? Did they give you a hard time? I'm so nervous to go through a big process and not get approved that would be life crushing. I really want the surgery because even though I'm very active all the extra weight makes it hard at the gym, and running after my children. I have never been this big in my life I can't even look in the mirror anymore. I hope Emblemhealth doesn't give me a hard time. I called they said they cover it and I have to do 6 months of nutrition visits. I would really appreciate hearing about other people's experience and advice.

[Jill B 0]

I don't have that insurance but from start to finish I was 3 months but my problem was my bmi was 36.6 so I had to have 3 medical problems to get approved most insurances if u are over 40 u can get approved without that good Gluck too u I go Monday so fingers crossed

[Jnandez 1]

I go this Friday I'm not 40 or older but my BMI is over 40 and I called my insurance company and they said I have to do a six month weight management program before I go for surgery so I'm excited to actually get the process started its no longer a thought or plain but it's now in action. I'm going to pick up my referral from my pcp tomorrow and my journey starts on Friday I'm so happy. Thank you for sharing and for your advice I wish you lots of luck on your journey and hope to share more with you

[TexasRN 1]

I work for an Insurance company.... Every insurance company has criteria for every procedure including WLS..... Ask your insurance company for a copy of the criteria they use for Sleeve Gastrectomy..... Then you will be able to see what you need to do...... For example mine required a 6 month medicinally supervised diet OR a letter from my Primary Care Doctor stating that I have tried and failed other weight loss plans..... My PCP was more than willing to write the letter, with all of the dates and info I gave her and I was approved... Good Luck