I have BCBS PEBB. I had to lose 5% of my weight with in the 6 months before surgery. But before I did that I had to go to pre-op appt. with NUT, psych, NP and have psych test. that is approved seperately. I had no problem with the approval process. (except that it took longer than I expected.3 weeks) By the way, I went through OWLS at legacy good sam in portland and they were extremely helpful. The whole proccess took me only 3 months.
Britta

AWESOME!!! You look like you feel FABULOUS!!!

BIG HUGS...

my 2 cents for what it is worth (2 1/2 yrs out) is to either get isopure powders - choc or cookies and chream, strawberry or van and mix iti wth ice water and don't drink the bottom 1/8 of an inch LOL

I also do well with EAS powders (the RTD cans are to sweet to me) I like the chocolate and mix it with half crystal light and half milk in the morning and just CL the rest of the day (semi lactose in tolerant and can only do milk about ever 12 hours)

experiminet - relize that there are NO protien powders that taste like they came from dairy queen LOL

if you buy them from GNC or vit shop you can usually return the ones that you dislike with in 7 days for an exchange so you can try something else - then once you find something you tolotate well buy it on line where you can get it cheaper
I have had good luck sharing single servings iwth other post ops - I buy one or two kinds, you and a couple of others do also and next time w eall meet up we bring one serving of each we purchased for each person - then we bring home just as many as we took but all differnt kinds - have also done protien tasting support group meetings

took me a long time to relize that what I wanted was somehting that did not make me throw up or that I have not thrown up in the last 30 days or so - when I find that at a decent cost I am all over it - protien shakes are just part of my life - like going ot the bathroom - not  gold plating the potty in my house expecting it to be the most exciting part of my day - just want it to be decent and have the kids leave me alone whiel I am there LOL not expecting great taste from my shakes just decent taste and good nut

peace
danni

Isn't it just a blessing, I hope to chat with you my rebirth was 9/8.... I wish you the best of luck!

Thanks again for all your support & to the people who posted. I just made a call to Legacy & they said they are going to call me in about a week or so, after they discuss my case. I'm not sure what it is, but I have a very large BMI, which is over 40 & they want to be really sure we are ready. I will keep everyone updated, especially on this Oregon board. The caring is very appreciated.