QUESTIONS...

OK.  I have researched WLS for about 4 years now. I have been through the process and even had a date and backed out. Now your probably thinking...WHY? Well, i wasnt ready. I was 19 at the time and never had surgery and pretty much scared. Well now...i am ready. Throughout my research I have found all that BCBS requires. I have BCBS of AL. I am not sure if WLS is covered by my insurance, but if it isnt  I am changing policies in about 9 months and it will be covered then.  Ok so now what I am trying to get to is...i know that BCBS requires the 6 month thing...should i go ahead and start? I just moved from oklahoma to alabama so I need to find a new PCP anyways. But should i do my 6 month supervised diet now and submit it even though it may be a writtem exclusion in my policy? And if i am denied and wait until my insurance policy changes will that 6 months still count or will i have to start over.

Hi Tara and welcome.  Yes, I would go ahead and start the diet.  What you have to do is find a PCP who will document it, go for your first visit and then go for six more months (so it actually ends up being 7 months).  Each visit needs to be on the same date or a day or two later (if the day lands on a weekend or holiday or something).  The 7th visit must be on or after the date you started.  For example, if you have your consult on August 27th, your 7th and final visit must be on or after the 27th of the 7th month.  Just make sure EVERY visit is documented by your PCP and that there are no other reasons for those visits documented (in other words, if you happen to catch a cold or something, don't get treated for it at your doctor when you go for your weigh-in).  Hope this helps and that you get approved for the surgery. 

I do understand your backing out. 19 is awfully young to take that plunge and it is scary and a huge decision.  My daughter (also named Tara) had her surgery a year ago when she was 23.  She was scared to death, but determined.  She has now lost 122 lbs.  You just have to get to that point where you are ready.  Nobody can take that step but you.  Blessings and keep letting us hear from you.  You will get a lot of support here.

Hi Tara and welcome to the Bama Board.  I agree...I would go ahead and begin the diet.  Once you are ready, you will know it for sure and you will find the doctor that fits you just right.  I used Dr. Freeman in Anniston and I am thrilled with my results and with my care.  There are several very good doctors, but I am partial to mine.  If you need anything, just ask.  I am sure someone here will help you.

Welcome welcome.  As you go through this process you will find out that hesitance is pretty normal.  This is a big deal (ha, no pun intended).  When I was ready to call the doc and cancel a day or two before, my friends gratefully told me to think on it for a day. They were right.  But at 17 ... wow, that would've been asking a lot.

As for BCBS and the diet.  I had BCBS of Ohio when I had the surgery and now have it for AL.  In Ohio, having Weigh****chers records was sufficient.  So call the insurance company and ask what they want rather than stress over it.  Either way taking care of yourself and your health is good no matter what the insurance company says.

This group is a good bunch of people.  I am a new transplant to AL too (moved here last month), so can tell you that you have come into some serious welcome and care.

Janice

I had the same hesitation and backed out too!  I had already started my 6 mth dieting and I just continued it because deep down I knew this was the choice that was going to be best for me!  I have BCBS of AL also and by the time I finally made my mind up and was determined to go through with the surgery I turned in 11 months worth of dieting with a PCP.  I would go ahead and start and it will help show the insurance company your determination and help you stay focused also.  Good Luck to you!!!!

I sent you a pm regarding doctors around here,ect. Let me know if I can help.
Karen