Lovely77 5 Posted September 25, 2017 Hi everyone. I'm new here. I'm considering either gastric bypass or sleeve. I have my very first appt with a surgeon on 10/5. I'm hoping my insurance will approve me. I have Empire bcbs. Does anyone else have this insurance? Any advice to get myself approved? Sent from my SM-G955U1 using BariatricPal mobile app Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diana_in_Philly 1,426 Posted September 25, 2017 The best way to find the requirements for your surgery is to go to the web site for your policy and search "bariatric" to see what comes up. There should be policy guidance which lists the requirements. Some require a history of trying to lose weight (doctor's records can be enough), others require a monitored weight loss plan - often your surgeon's office already knows the requirements because they do this. Do make a list of questions you want to ask your surgeon. Consider bringing a trusted relative or friend with you to the appointment. My first consult was 3 hours and had to be done after attending an informational seminar at the hospital. There was a lot of information to digest (no pun intended) at that first meeting, so having another set of ears around doesn't hurt. best of luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovely77 5 Posted September 25, 2017 Thank you for the advice! Sent from my SM-G955U1 using BariatricPal mobile app Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ColleenErin1974 195 Posted September 25, 2017 57 minutes ago, Lovely77 said: Hi everyone. I'm new here. I'm considering either gastric bypass or sleeve. I have my very first appt with a surgeon on 10/5. I'm hoping my insurance will approve me. I have Empire bcbs. Does anyone else have this insurance? Any advice to get myself approved? Sent from my SM-G955U1 using BariatricPal mobile app I agree with Diana_in_Philly. You should go online or call to see if your policy covers the surgery. I called mine and when they said it was, I asked if there were any pre approval hoops to jump through. For me, I had to have 3 months of a supervised diet with my PCP. Most insurances require 3,6,or 12 month supervised diets. You will also have to have testing, lab work, and appointments with psych and a nutritionist. It usually winds up being a year long process. Another good thing to do is research everything you can on both surgeries. This site sells 2 books I found helpful. One is all about the sleeve and the other is about bypass. They have a ton of information and helped me decide what to do. I had the gastric bypass and love it! Its also a good thing to start weaning off soda or any carbonated beverages, junk food, sugar, Pasta and rice. This will help you start slowly into your new lifestyle change and may help start your weight loss. Good luck on your journey! Keep us posted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovely77 5 Posted September 25, 2017 Thank you so much! Sent from my SM-G955U1 using BariatricPal mobile app 1 ColleenErin1974 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mhy12784 423 Posted September 26, 2017 I have empire bcbs and I'm expecting my approval any day now. 3 months of weights is all I was told I needed. I'm curious where were you looking at going? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lovely77 5 Posted September 26, 2017 I'm probably going to have it done in Middletown. How about you? I hope all they will require of me is 3 months! I've heard of people having to wait 6 months or even a year! Sent from my SM-G955U1 using BariatricPal mobile app Share this post Link to post Share on other sites