I am finally gettting ins., need information please!!

Hello everyone! My name is Candy I live in Stockbridge, GA. I used to come to OH a good bit, but haven't lately because more often than not I would just get discouraged because nothing seemed to be working out to getting me any closer to surgery. Anyway my husband and I are finally getting Health ins through his job!! yay! I do not know yet what it really covers or if it will cover this surgery. So I thought I would come here first and ask some questions. It is BLUE DIRECT POS, from Blue Cross Blue Sheild of GA. I need to pick a PCP and I was also wandering if any of you knew one that would help and support me in my surgery decision, and help with any testing that will need to be done and paper work of course. I t is so nice to know that there are other people who are where I am or have been where I am, and understand how important this is to me and my family. Thanks for any help or information you might have!!!!! Candy!!

Candy, I do not have Blue Direct so I can not help you with that but I did want to tell you not to get discouraged. This can be a stressful process but hang in there and be patient. I am sure someone here will be able to give you information on the insurance company but in the mean time go to their web page and look up weightloss surgery and see what they require. You will also need to check with your husbands company to see if they carry the rider that covers the surgery. Take care.

Thanks Bonnie for the encouragment! It can be stressful times. I haven't given up yet though and don't plan it, I am going to try everything I can until I get what I want, lol. Thanks again!!

Hey Candy....honey HERE is where you need to be in order to become empowered in your fight for surgery...I know I couldnt have stayed sane without these guys...lol Anyway BCBS was who "saved" me...after fighting for approval for 2 years, my hubbys insurance changed just out of the blue to BCBS and I called them and they actually said all BCBS dirivitives cover it...so while I dont want you to get WAY TOO EXCITED I think your chances are good... Let me just tell you...I have any letters you could need so just email me and I will send them to you.... Im so excited for you honey...call his HR person and ask for contact numbers for the insurance company...you can go ahead and ask for their PCP's and coverage...they should be able to give you a phone number today... Best of luck honey...Be Strong and fight for what you want...as you can see from my profile I had been through it all honey and it was all worth it! I feel so blessed! Also, I have been told most all BCBS request a 6 month supervised diet...so jump on getting to the doctor and tell them on your first visit to document your weight and discuss diet issues...then go back monthly for weigh ins and check ups.... (I have samples of that too)

Hi Pam! I know I know, I probably should be coming around much more often. I will try to make an effort to do that. Wow 2 years. I know that seems like along time, but I would be willing to do that if thats what they told me to do too. It has been two years already since I decided this is what I want to do, and I am still the same weight. Thank you for your offer of paper work. I am sure I will coming back to you to ask for advice on all the technical stuff. Thank you so much, I am trying not to get my hopes to high. But truly even if this insurance never covers the surgery, it is still a blessing to actually have insurance at all. Take care, and talk to you again soon!!

Candy, Congrats on your insurance coverage! I have BCBS HMO and they paid for my surgery and they pay for my fills. I do know that each employer has the choice to purchase a rider to their policy that covers WLS. If your husband's company has that rider you will be eligible as long as you meet the guidelines. I agree that his HR person should be your first point of contact. Best of luck! Phyllis

thank you Phyllis! It makes me optimistic to hear stories like yours! I will be calling my HR person today!! Thanks again!

Hi Candy, I can't help you with the insurance questions but I want to welcome you back to OH and I would also like to say I am also in Stockbridge and I would be glad to help you with anything you may need. I am preop still...waiting for my surgical date. We could always use more friends. We even have a new support group that meets at Henry Medical Center on the 4th Tuesday of every month. I just came from my first meeting with them. Pat

Hi Pat! I am glad to hear you are in Stockbridge! I think I would also like to go to some of those meetings, maybe we can meet and help each other through this! So how did you like your first meeting?? Thanks again, take care!

I found the meeting to be a lot of fun and informative too. There were so many local potential friends and supporters. The meeting topic was plastic surgery and although I haven't had my surgery it was quite good. Yes, I would like to meet some time. Pat