Are there any MT State Employees out there?

I was just wondering how many other MT State employees were following the insurance guidelines to qualify for the WLS coverage.  I have a tentative date set and am following all the "rules" they've outlined.  For awhile I would get different information on the rules / qualifications everytime I'd call HCBS, but I think they're all getting on the same page now.  The Why Weight program is lame in my opinion, however I'm willing to do whatever it takes to qualify !  I am very hopeful and determined that this WILL happen for me. 

No one out there?

Me!  I'm here!  I, too, have been following the Why weight (???) and hope to have surgery after July 1.

I have been with the state for 12 years and if approved by insurance I will have surgery July 14. I can't believe it is really going to happen.  I agree with the Why Weight thing. It is lame and I don't quite understand how it applies. I am the same way in regards to the thought of just doing whatever I have to get done to finally get to have the surgery. I am having surgery with Dr. Rohrer in Great Falls btw. Lisa is as awesome as I read about her on all of the blogs. We should all keep in touch.

Just a slight update:  I had to wait until June1st to have the physician send in authorization.  I called BC/BS on Thurs and Friday.  Apparently they are waiting for RBH / Why Weight to send in their information.  On Friday they were still trying to figure out if I'd completed the program.  They had me as enrolled but not clear on whether I'd followed thru with the Why Weight.  I explained it wasn't necessarily something we "completed", but that I had been on the program and emailed my Health Coach at least monthly.  How irritating that RBH isn't on the ball, and insurance didn't even know what the program really entailed!  But it did sound hopeful, that that was really the only hold up for authorization.  I hope to know Monday.   I'm probably irritating them by calling, but I just can't sit by and wait for a letter to come in the mail!

Hey I'm APPROVED!!!  I had to change my tentative surgery date, because State insurance said I was scheduled 6 days too early to be authorized for surgery.  AAaaarrrggghhhh!  After this slight setback (devastation), I was able to get a date for 2 weeks later.  Someone was lucky to get bumped up to my original date  :o)  Health & Benefits Dept. (thank you Jackie) and the Dr.'s office (thank you Lisa) were awesome in getting things on track.  I'm so happy and greatful to finally have this surgery.  Congrats to Carrie B. as well!!  Thanks so much for the heads up!!!  Hope to hear from other State workers that are planning this surgery!

It is happening for many of us, so if you are a State of Montana employee...get er done!!!! From those that I have talked to, there have been all approvals so far. If you are thinking about it, contact one of us and we will talk you through the process. It is possible and is not that painful of a process.

Hi All!! I am so glad to hear about everyone getting approved !  Congratulations to you all!! My surgeon is Dr. Martin in Great Falls, Lindsey, submitted me on Friday afternoon and we haven't heard anything yet!     I totally agree about the Why Weight, it is pretty lame.  I am hoping to keep my tentative date of July 15th, I hope I hear something today!   Have a great day!  Diane

Don't be afraid to call BC/BS and inquire!  I was surprised I didn't get denied after the nuisance I was making calling and calling...lol... What kind of pre-op diet does Dr. Martin encourage?  I am on day 5 and getting thru it.  The first 3 days were the hardest! Good luck & keep us posted!!!