Highmark BC BS of PA

Anyone have this insurance? Can you tell me if there are any other requirements besides the 6 month program?  Any documentation required? or pre-approval?

Hi, don't know if you're still looking for an answer to this since it was posted so long ago. I have this insurance and had my surgery in Nov 07. I had to do the 6 month diet and exercise program but that is all they required. Once I did that they paid for everything, out of pocket was minimal. It was great actually. I wasn't too happy having to wait 6 months but I really can't complain, good insurance!

Thanks Sherry How are you doing now?  I am probably looking at April for my surgery. Any tips ?   I have Dr Peters and the staff has been great, just trying to get through all the doctor appointments. Hope all is going well for you Wanda

Hi Wanda, I have actually being feeling pretty down. I feel like I can eat WAY more than I should and I keep gaining then losing, then gaining. I've been trying to incorporate more exercise but I'm wishing I had gastric bypass at this point.  I feel that way from time to time but I know I just need to start controlling myself better. Of course I think if I could control myself I wouldn't have needed this surgery to begin with. I'm probably just being too hard on myself but I'm ready to be skinny already!! I go back for another fill on thursday so I'm hopeful that will make a difference. Geez, I'm probably scaring you to death. Don't mind me, you can do it! I have lost 40 lbs since my heaviest weight so I need to keep that in mind I guess. Anyway, hope things are going well with you, good luck with those appointments! Take care, Sherry

Sherry - hope you are doing much better.  I have my tenative surgery date of 3/31 so much has happened in the last month, many dr appts, cardiologist and upper GI was interesting. If nothing else I can say that I've been checked out thoroughly for the first time in my life.  I've lost 26 pounds since my 1st visit with Dr Peters so I'm ready to step off the ledge and go forward.  I'm sure there will be ups and downs too.  My one concern is how long I'll be out of work.  Hope is only 2-3 weeks and I can feel ok.   Your 40 lb loss is fabulous so I'm sure since the 2nd fill you're feeling better.  keep up the good work.  Wanda

Hi Wanda, 3/31 is coming up fast! I know what you mean about all the dr appts. Losing 26 lbs is awesome. I only lost like 6 lbs before surgery so you're doing great! I only missed a week of work. I went back the monday after my surgery. I have to say that was probably too soon but since I wasn't getting paid, I couldn't afford to stay home. I have a desk job so that helped but I still wasn't feeling too hot, could have used a second week off. It's really an individual thing, everyone heals at a different pace so you will need to see how you feel. Dr Irgau let me go back as soon as I did but it wasn't his first choice. I would recommend trying as hard as you can to drink because I wasn't drinking enough and I was having a lot of heart palpitations and dizziness. Also lots of diarrhea so be prepared for that! Not sure how you prepare yourself for that...Anyway, I've lost another ten pounds. My third fill was a big change for me. Lots of things that didn't used to get stuck now do but I still feel like I'm able to eat too much. I haven't lost any weight in 2 weeks, it's very discouraging.

Well, good luck on your surgery. Enjoy Easter dinner while you can!

Sherry

Hi Sherry Just a day after that Easter dinner and my family all met in Dover to eat together.  I just told most of them about my plans and they were all supportive.  I hope this finds your spirits lifted.  I guess the drinking is my worry too as I usually don't drink enough now.  I'm done with all the tests and yet the one Dr seems to not have my x-ray, a disc was sent so now I'm trying to get the office to ANSWER THE PHONE !  Boy out of this whole process, the most frustrating was the telephone calls that either aren't returned or not answered.  Anyway, this is the count down week, more worried about my staff during my absence but I know I need to now concentrate on ME.  Looking forward to the week after everything and going forward.  I know that I too will probably have stumbling but in the long run it will all be worth it.  If the year goes as fast as the last 6 months, you and I will be in new wardrobes sooner than later !   Hope you are feeling better. Wanda