This may be the end of the road for me...

Today is a very sad day for me...I had been in the process of collecting my 5 year of weightloss history for Blue Cross...My surgeons office said I need to document five years, not including 2008, of having a BMI of over 35.  Sniff sniff...well my 2003 records arrived from Texas today and they only show a weight of 170 and 184...sniff sniff...I needed 198 to go over 35.  I can probably come up with something from December 2003, but I would have been 5 MONTHS PREGNANT!!! The only positive thing is that I looked up the Corporate Medical Policy for my insurance and it said I had to have a BMI greater that 35 for the last 4 out of 5 years...Think I have any hopes left?

Do not despair!  They only turned in 4 out of 5 for me, and I still got approved!  I think you will be fine...  :)

That makes me feel better!!!  You have the same office I do...

I'm in a different office, but only had 4 years of history. And one of those I was pregnant! :) There is still hope. Don't give up! :) Becky

I have BCBS and yes they wanted the 5 year history.  I hadn't been to the doctor in 5 years.  I used the last year of my doctor's notes (2002) and then I had four years of Weigh****chers (thank God I saved the books).  But they were for the years 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007.  I went to a new PCP in 2007 and he included my 2007 weight in his letter of support and he stated that he had reviewed my prior weight history (which I gave him) and my BMI was above 40 for years.  I didn't have any record for 2005.  I sent copies of my doctor notes with the weight showing and copies of all of my WW books and they approved me in three days.  If you have documentation for a six or seven years that you were above 35 and omit the one year that you were less than 35, it may not be a problem.  Some people don't go to the doctor every year. 

Don't give up!! There are exceptions to every rule. Mare

Don't give up and don't think that it is not going to happen.  If you need it, it will happen.  As you see above, there are exceptions and BCBS is a wonderful insurance and they (from what I have seen and heard) understand the benifits of wls in our futures.  I was very pleased with BCBS.  Keep on trying.  It is SO worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It will happen!  I wish you the best of luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do NOT give up this early in the game!!!  BCBS have those guidelines and tell you that, yes, but there are many exceptions and when they review your case, along with the recomendation Dr. Bauman turns in, you shouldn't have a problem.  His practice is a center of excellence and part of that title stems from dealing with insurance companies.  They know how to work them.  I believe Dr. Bauman would not have taken your case if he did not believe you would pass.  I also believe that what the Dr. puts in his notes weigh heavily on their decision.  Best of luck to you, and don't give up!! Nancy

Do not give up!!! turn in what you have and I hope you get approved!!

Darcie

Do you have any co-modbidities to go along with recent weight?  (diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure) - that will help too.