new here

Hi everyone,  I just found this board I'm in the process of getting approved for WLS ..I'm pretty sure I'm doing the bypass... I just wanted to ask a question I have blue cross HMO I already got the approval from my pcp and did the paper work at Dr. Oliak's office..I just wanted to know did any of you have any major roadblocks with blue cross?..I just want to get an idea if I need to bring out my boxing gloves :)  I look forward to lurking around and I hope I will be as big of a success as all of you!  Liz

Hi Liz, Dr.Oliak did my surgery and he is awesome!!! I had Blue Cross...but a PPO, and had no hoops to jumps through at all..in fact I got apporoved in 7 days. I am not sure exactly how the HMO works though. Just know that you are in great hands with Dr. Oliak!!!! Good Luck!

I had blue cross of california HMO and they were great. Generally the trickiest part is getting your approval past the medical group board. Sounds like you've done that. Now it is just a matter of patience. But if you do have any trouble and need to appeal, find out the exact language in their policy book regarding WLS. I had Cigna originally and they denied me because my PCP said I was doing it for weight loss. They only approve for co-morbid issues. I sure am wishing you well, Rachel

Hi Liz.
I have BLUE CROSS PPO and so far so good.
I have my 1st appt with my surgeon on May 12th and he just requested that I go to the social worker and the nutritionist plus I need to go and get an upper GI and that is it. I also told him if it would be possible to get this surgery done within 6 weeks and my doctor gave me hope. He said as long as my PCP agrees and does paperwork. YAY!!! I hope that BLUE CROSS HMO works the same. You don't have to go crazy... I HOPE.

Welcome!!!!!! Catt!