Any (prefer recent) OSU Bariatric patient(s) ?

I am curious how long from the time you mailed in your application until you actually had the surgery? Also anyone on Anthem BC/BS Blue Preferred? I am wondering if they will require 6 month DR diet first? Thanks so much

Hi Susan, I am an OSU patient with surgery scheduled for April 11th. I had to complete the 6 months supervised "Healthy Living" program so from application to surgery is 11 months. (May 06 = application, June-December 06 = Healthy Living, January 07 = 4 week nutrition classes, January/February 07= Insurance approval, March 07= Preop surgical visit, April 07 = Surgery) Good Luck, Teresa

wow ... that is a long time. So this Healthy Living thing ... is this something you have to go in weekly on? I have a hard time driving. Good luck to you and thanks

Hi Susan, It is actually called the "Living Well" program and it is a weekly class for an hour with weigh-in time before class starts. The class is held on West Campus at OSU. I was not able to choose my surgeon. One was assigned. Take care Teresa

I'm going through OSU Bariatrics also. I first applied in June, '06 I believe. Had my psych and nut. appts. in July, 06. Had to go through a 12 weeks WLP called LEARN. Getting ready to start my 4 wks. of nutritions classes and waiting to hear from ins. and surgeon. Our ins. is Horrizon BCBS of New Jersey but they use Anthem for their Ohio employees. I have been in contact with our ins. and they said if medically necessary they will cover gastric bypass. I'm waiting to hear from them to see if LapBand is covered also. Looks like it will be about a year here also. Peggy

Hi Peggy ... thanks for the info. I guess I thought it would be much quicker? I am confused on this application. Do I state which DR I would prefer or do they just assign me one of them? I see there are 3 now (DR Cooke has come on board?). Good luck and thanks Susan

Susan, I am waiting for approval from Anthem BC/BS and I will be getting my surgery done at OSU. When I met with my nut., she said that I knew enough about the surgery and weight loss itself that I did not have to attend any classes (I did a LOT of research!!!!). But I had to do 4 months of psych. appointments. So, I don't think that Anthem actually requires classes. I spoke with Kathy at OSU bariatrics today and she said that Anthem is usually pretty easy, they get hung up if your BMI is too low or if your psych hasn't given a good report on your mental state (i.e. if you are considered a binge eater). And, no, you don't get to choose a surgeon. Hope this helps!

wow ... thanks Robin E. I appreciate the info. I guess I better get this sent in. Take care and good luck to you.