Is it hard to get approved with bcbsfl?

I have been reading posts and it seems that everyone gets approved for surgery if they have medical reasons. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Choice of Florida. Has anyone else had this insurance and gotten approved? Does everyone really have all that documentation to get approved?? It seems like they want an awful lot of documentation, did everyone else have 6 months of documented weight loss from a dr? The problem is, I don't have 6 months left before the insurance changes their policy and won't be paying anymore after Jan 1st '05. I do have 7 months documented from a diet center I am going to that is similar to LA Weight Loss. I also have attempts at losing weight from a dr that gave me diet pills. I have a bmi of like 36 and have hypertention, knee problems, feet problems and depression. I just don't want to get all excited and rush around and try to get approved if it is going to be impossible.

It wouldn't hurt to try, and you'll never know if you qualified for surgery unless you do try. Go for it! Good luck and keep us posted!

Was the 7 months you did within the last 2 years? Have you talked to any surgeons about getting approved?

Yes, lol unfortunately I am still signed up and supposed to be going. I have been signed up since March and I lost 14 lbs the first couple months, then I started slipping as I usually do and I have gained the 14 back PLUS 6! Geez! And also I went to the dr, last November and he put me on Phentermine diet pills. I could also get those records and send them in. You guys are right, I am going to try it no matter what, besides what do I have to lose besides weight!! HAHA. I did talk to a surgeons office on Friday and am supposed to go talk to them this week, I am really excited to be honest with ya. Thanks for answering back you guys!!

Great that you can get into the surgeon so quickly. Keep in mind when it comes to insurance companies, they dont want to approve the surgery unless it is absolutely necessary, so go into this with "guns ablazing"! You need to have all your ducks in a row and the sooner, the better so your surgeon can submit to the insurance company ASAP. Good Luck!

You need to be prepared for a fast and furious fight. With a BMI of only 36, you're considered a lightweight and unless you have diabetes, it may be pretty tough to get approved. If you're sure this major change is what you want and need, though, then go for it with all you've got. The people I know that have gotten approved have had ALL that documentation and more. I had nearly 60 pages of stuff!! Good luck, Jan

I don't think I have any other choice, I have tried everything known to man atleast twice. I am so depressed all of the time because I eat too much and I cannot control it. I have high blood pressure and my mother is a diabetic. I feel hopeless and this is my only hope left, I have tried everything else with no lasting results. It is alot to go through, but there is no way I will ever have a baby at this size. I won't do that to myself, I am afraid I would be suicidal if I gained any more weight and we all know what pregnancy does to a body. I feel like this surgery is my only hope in having a normal life. I could probably find 60 pages of dieting that I have done alone. Thanks for the advice.

Hi Laci... I had it all and cigna said NO...Was after lap-band, and had a year of Curves plus Dr. office notes...I have given up and going self-pay... Not that i have 12.800 just at my finger tips but will find a way. I was told by them i need 6 mos. Dr. weekly wt.-ins, but that will go beyound my 61st birthday and Dr. will not do surg. Dr. viits will be 20$ a week and then still might not get the o.k.Now i need upper G.I. and lab tests.. hopeful cigna will not put 2+2 togather and figure out these test are for wls... good luck on your attempts gloria

good luck and try your best

Good luck & try your best. I never knew that I had other co-morbidities until I went for clearances! And do not be afraid to sue your insurance company! I did. Kristen