Hello Ladies, I'm new and looking forward to G/B

Hi ladies, I found a DR in Tulsa that is to a be a specialistat G/B. I have an appointment with him Friday. I have BCBS. The thing that is kind of confusing for me is , the insurance is out of California but on my card it shows BCBS Arkansas First Source.My husband works at Superior and the cooperate office is in CA. So if they go by their policy my surgery will be covered if medically necassary, If they go by Arkansas BCBS i have to been on a suppervised failed diet before they will consider it. So i am hoping that they go by BCBS CA. Confusing i know, i am confused but hopeful. Good Luck to you all. Cassie

I live in Arkansas and had surgury last March with BCBS of Cal. It was the PPO plan. They took about 2-3 weeks looking at the paperwork, but did approve it, based upon BMI of 39 with sleep apnea and arthritis co-morbidities. I hope you are as fortunate!! Joy

I finnally got an answer, The criteria for my insurance to pay for G/B is a letter of medical ness. I am glad to hear that , although my fear is since i dont have a solid history of medical records for my joints and weight that i may be rejected. I hate to even speak doubt, but i do have that conceren. Has anyone had G/B with little medical history? Thank You in advance for any information you may have. Cassandra

If you have seen a doctor through the years and they weighed you on visits, you have more history than you think. If you talked about your attempts to lose weight, or if you can document your dieting attempts and your doctor will concur, you can use that. If you joined weigh****chers or some other plan you have membership fee records. If you snore or have any sleep related issues, I strongly suggest you have a sleep study. Sleep apnea is very common among the obese and makes approval much easier. Over-document everything before you submit your application. Dr. Baker's insurance specialist was terrific in helping get this through for me. Good luck! Joy

Re Joy in Little Rock When will you have your surgery and how long was the approval process and the wait for surgery. Do you have any information (stats) on Dr. Baker. I received a packet from him but have not heard back yet. He didn't have his history or experience listed in the package. I'm 63 years old but I understand he will do the surgery on my age. I am 200 lbs over weight so it is actually hard for me to walk as my knees have had it. Looking forward to a reply from anyone. Thanks