Tennessee Bariatric Surgery (Pre-Op)

[PinknFlawless 24]

Hi everyone, I’m 32 and this is my second time going through this pre-approval process. I originally started in 2017, and between my best friend passing and an unreachable advocate, I gave up. So, I restarted the process in November and while waiting for my initial referral to go through, I began my weightloss attempts only to find out my insurance no longer requires them. I’ve just got to have my PCP write up my recommendation letter and my advocate should be submitting it Monday March 23rd. I have HighMark BCBS insurance and was wondering if anyone else has it and if you could provide me a timeframe of the insurance approval, to pre-op consultation, liquid-diet, and a set surgery date. My advocate told me on 3/3/20 that my insurance may take two weeks for approval, then another two for the pre-op and surgery dates, which would put me around late April- beginning of May. I’m just sort of twitching at this point because I feel like it won’t happen anytime soon with this COVID-19 spreading, and I am literally so close I can feel the anesthesia working lol!!! I’m just really anxious because I’ve been fighting a while now to get this done and I fear it may be postponed, which I know is going to be a huge blow. So any advice or updates would greatly be appreciated.

[CammyC 291]

I wish I had info for you. I have Anthem BCBS and had to go thru all kinds of tests with cardiologist, pulmonologist, nutritionists, psychiatrist and 6 months of dr supervised weight loss.

[BigSue 1,389]

Have you chosen a surgeon yet? I think the pre-op requirements vary, so your best bet is probably to ask someone at the surgeon's office.

P.S. What part of Tennessee are you in? Just curious; I'm in Eastern Tennessee.

[PinknFlawless 24]

Yes, I’m seeing Dr. Richard Wegner in Memphis, TN. I’m on the opposite end from you. We can be TN bariatric pals lol. I’ve completed everything recommended and now just have to submit my paperwork to the insurance. I’m about to email my advocate and see if there are any potential updates. Thanks for the responses!

[Suziie28 1]

Hi!! I’m in Southeast TN and I have BCBS. My approval process seemed easy, they denied it once and approved it later that same week. Atleast, that’s what the dates on the letters they mailed me.

[PinknFlawless 24]

Thanks for the response. Do you remember how long it took from the initial submission to the insurance company, until you received the first letter?

[Suziie28 1]

It didn’t take long. I believe they submitted them to insurance on 2/20 and by the 26th she called and said I was approved for surgery.

[Angel09 0]

Hey PinknFlawless. I see you used Dr. Wegner. How was it. I just scheduled my initial appointment so I'm a little nervous. Any advice?

[PinknFlawless 24]

7 minutes ago, Angel09 said:

Hey PinknFlawless. I see you used Dr. Wegner. How was it. I just scheduled my initial appointment so I'm a little nervous. Any advice?

It was wonderful. He and his staff are AMAZING. I’m happier than I’ve probably ever been!

[Angel09 0]

19 minutes ago, PinknFlawless said:

It was wonderful. He and his staff are AMAZING. I’m happier than I’ve probably ever been!

Im excited and nervous at the same time. Im new to Memphis and don't really have a support system so im nervous about it all. But I gotta do it because I have 3 kids I need to live for.

[PinknFlawless 24]

1 minute ago, Angel09 said:

Im excited and nervous at the same time. Im new to Memphis and don't really have a support system so im nervous about it all. But I gotta do it because I have 3 kids I need to live for.

Best decision I’ve ever made regarding my health. The scale is your worst enemy, but clothing and the measuring tape are something serious! I LOVE my new look and confidence. I feel more energetic and just love life!

[Angel09 0]

1 minute ago, PinknFlawless said:

Best decision I’ve ever made regarding my health. The scale is your worst enemy, but clothing and the measuring tape are something serious! I LOVE my new look and confidence. I feel more energetic and just love life!

Yay im excited for you. I'm definitely ready for the change.