BCBS of Illinois 12 month medically supervised diet

Hello: If anyone out there has any experience with this type of nonsense I would appreciate any pointers you could give me. My niece has to do this and she is pretty down and feeling like this will never happen. I would only like to do this once. Thanks, DEBBIE

Hi Debbie: I am currently on my 5th month with the BC/BS 12 month supervised weight loss attempt. My surgeon will be Dr. Gerald Cahill in Evergreen Park, IL. They have a program run through their office that is approved by BC/BS. Once I complete all 12 months, I will be eligible to get the surgery. Currently, I have to see a nutrionist, dietician once a month, I have to see the psych doctor in the beginning and at the end of the program and then I see a personal trainer every three months. It's very conductive to losing weight and being successful from the surgery. I understand the need for 12 months of strict supervision, as I have researched this surgery going on three years now, and know that we need to know every thing we can before embarking on this life altering journey. Where is your niece getting her surgery done? How old is she? And what did you mean by you would only like to do this once? Welcome to the board! Meghan

Hi Debbie, I just returned from the manager of Riverside Bariatric Clinic to turn in all the final paperwork a few minutes ago. I finished my 12 mo on the 28th of this month. I was also devastated when they increased the requirements from 6 mo to 12 mo. But I did them and it went faster than expected. Now let's pray the approval comes fast before they change the requirements again. I had to see the Dr. monthly, the nutritionist monthly, keep a 12 mo. journal of increased activity, see the psycologist once and have 4 out of the 5 comorbidities they require. I think I'm glad I had to wait. I have had time to thoroughly research the positives and negatives and get family members to understand my desire to do this. So tell your niece to be patient and it will all work out in time. Sherry

Is this strictly BCBS of IL or HMO Illinois? Dayna Pre-Op 4/6/05

I have BCBS PPO Sherry

Hi: BCBS of Illinois Thanks to all for the replies. Debbie

I have BCBS Of Illinois HMO....I had to jump thru all the hoops! According to my group, as long as the doc has documented that weight loss was chatted about at appts and the pt was weighed this IS medically supervised diet. As long as your PCP backs you up on it! It just depends on your (her) PCP, what type of BCBS she has...etc... Good luck! I know it is such a darn hastle! I wi**** was easier! Maybe it will be someday! xoxoxoxoxojenn

Are you in a FEP program? or just BCBS of Illinois? I am in a FEP, BCBS program and due to some confusion I was denied benifits because it is a BCBS requirement to have the 12 mo. But the FEP program does not call for it. So I had to fight hard to get my benifits as per my program. Good luck, John

What is the FEP program?

Federal Employee Program