Pre op required weight loss

[flmommyof2 79]

At the beginning of my journey the nurse at my Doctor's office told me I had to lose 22lbs in 6 months but found out I only have 3 months before surgery, not 6. So does that mean I have to lose half of the 22? And also what is I don't lose all required? Will I still get approved? I keep so worried up over all these questions:(

[labwalker 1,177]

Every insurance policy is different, and every doctor's office has their own requirements.

You need to check with your doctor's office, and the patient advocate for your insurance company to get the straight answer. Bariatric surgery and insurance coverage are often at odds, and it can be hard to get a straight answer.

I went through this when the staff who handles the insurance at my doctor's practice gave me conflicting information to what I read in my policy. Their attitude was that they had the information, and I didn't. When my three months was up, they found out that my plan had used a different company for bariatric surgery. I'd call and make sure. That ended up delaying my surgery for another 4 months. I was not happy. You've been giving conflicting information, and you deserve to have some piece of mind that everything is on track.

Edited October 24, 2014 by labwalker

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@flmommyof2 I agree with what Labwalker wrote. You need to call your insurance company and find out what they require. Then you can speak to your Dr. about it directly. Sometimes the office staff like to play God in the office as if they know it all and are infallible. Don't rely on that, check for yourself get the requirements directly from your carrier and then speak to the Dr. about what is required.

If the doctor is requiring you to lose 22 pounds prior to surgery be sure that it's not a requirement for him to operate, and if it is ask him why it is.

Good luck let us know how it goes.

[flmommyof2 79]

Thank you both. I will give them a call Monday morning. I don't want a few pounds keeping me from a healthier life. Thanks again y'all

[shellyd88 463]

Flmommyof2 hi when u call the insurance company ask them them to either email or snail mail u the written rules/coverage re this procedure they have to if u ask I have bcbs I got a copy in the mail made an extra copy which I have in my file for surgeon don't give the dr office the only copy as things tend to get " lost" or not " filed" this way u have a copy to refer to if they tell u something different and they cannot withhold info from u when u have your own copy good luck

[flmommyof2 79]

That is a good idea shellyd88. That would answer a lot of questions that I do have. Thanks hun:)

[shellyd88 463]

@@flmommyof2 your welcome they will try to say it's all available online if they try to get of of mailing it say your internet access is down /limited no printer /computer I sometimes having trouble printing stuff from secured websites I'm not that computer savvy to figure why lol u get the idea they don't want pay to mail stuff but they have to if u ask so be firm again good luck it took about 3 days for me to receive in the mail