Waiting for approval.........

Hello All. I am new at this so please bear with me. I have had all the tests, documentation letters, psyche visits, nutritionalist visits, etc. My file went to BCBS of Illinois last Wednesday. My bmi is just over 35 and I have sleep apnea, GERDS, High Cholestrol and High Blood Pressure. I am hopeful that they will approve my surgery with Dr. B in Richardson. Do you guys have any idea if they do? and how long it will take me to schedule my surgery date? I would love to have some input to my life changing lap band surgery. Sincerely, Martha L

Hi Martha; I don't know about your particular insurance company, but you should be able to get approval. Actually, your BMI is not all that high, but your co-morbidities( apnea,etc) usually qualify you regardless of BMI. As far as timing goes, it totally depends on your insurance; how busy your surgeon is; what pre-surgical testing is required;etc.. I, for one have had no regrets whatsoever about having surgery(I had RNY). You might want to try the State Message Board for your state to ask about your particular insurance co. and surgeon of choice. Best of luck to you!! Mike

Thank you...................I will do that in a week if I haven't heard. Best wishes, Martha

Hi Martha, first of all congratulations on finding the courage to take this step. I don't know about your insurance but I wish you luck with it. I would advise you to get to all the support groups you can as they are offered by your chosen surgeon's office; also, obesityhelp.com offers all kinds of support and you are best to hook into those that offer the most immediate help for you, such as, the message board for people who live in your state, and the one for the month and year you are having your surgery, as well as the one specific to your surgeon's patients. I wish you well on your journey and we hope to hear you have good success with your insurance company! Best, Reenie

THank you so much. All of the responses that I have read show that the Lap Band and Gastric Bypass community has such a good heart. I look forward to getting the last portion of my life in order. All is beautiful otherwise with my 5 grandchildren and their parents........Regards, Martha