First Appt.

I have my first appt. on Tuesday. I am nervous. I just know that when I get there they will tell me that my insurance will never cover it. Wish me luck.

who is your appointment with Sheila? What Doctor? Did they not ask you who you were insured with before getting the appointment? Keep in touch here. Jan

Sheila, I suggest you call your insurance before you spend money on an appointment. They should tell you whether they cover bariatric surgery and what you need to do to qualify if they do cover it. Saves you time, money and makes them and your Doctor know you are serious and prepared. Just my thoughts, not a flame. Lana

I am insured with BCBS. I did call them and although it's a contract exclusion the girl I talked to proceeded to ask me things about what illnesses/diseases I had and also in a round-about way said that my case would have to go before a board for a decision etc..... when I first saw the weight loss surgery contract exclusion I felt defeated but after I called and they started saying things like "if" & "when", I had a glimmer of hope. I am going through the Missouri Bariatric Services in Columbia. The surgery would be at the University Hospital. The Dr. I will be seeing is Nicole Fearing, MD. I went to a seminar on 5/8/06. Any thoughts, ideas or advice is welcomed. Thanks, Sheila

Sheila... Is your BCBS under a Missouri Plan? Which employer do you have? The reason that I am inquiring is that some folks HAVE had a better chance at getting BCBS to pay if it is an out of state plan. BCBS plans in Missouri are notoriously difficult to overturn. Don't get me started on BCBS. It is what I have at work and it is also the reason that I ended up going on my husband's plan for one year (and paid premiums out the wazooo) just to have my WLS. I fought and fought against BCBS and it was a no go. grrrrrrrrrr.. just remembering them and what I went through makes me angry all over again... Let us know what you find out !! Best wishes... Elizabeth~

Yes it's BCBS Missouri (Alliance to be exact). I have no other alternatives. My husband is on Medicare and I could never afford to private pay. So........if I can't get my insurance to pay then I will not be getting the surgery for sure.