Ok we have similar plans then. I work for the Dept of Children and Families. :) First check to see what the lowest BMI is that you can have before you need comorbidities to get the insurance to approve it.  For example, my BMI is 54.8 so I didn't have to have a comorbidity (which is rare LOL as I'm like you and have NO health issues Thank God!). United Healthcare says if you have a BMI MORE THAN 40 then a comorbidity doesn't have to exist in order to obtain approval. Call BCBS and ask them what the BMI level is without comorbidities. Once you find that out then you know you have a chance for approval or not. You said your BMI is 40 so you're probably okay!! Next ask BCBS if you have to go to a surgeon affiliated with a "CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE" Chances are you will to get BCBS to pay at a premium rate and even if you don't have to go to one per BCBS standards, its a better route as they are more experienced with bariatric patients. Then when you hunt for a surgeon make sure you find one who goes to a Center For Excellence approved hospital. Go to atleast two surgeons orientations.  I chose Dr. Rehnke in St. Pete and Dr. Murr in Tampa.   I ended up going with Dr. Murr for one reason or another (it's just a personal choice). But I was glad I shopped.  Because once I found Dr. Murr, my search was over ;) Both Dr. Rehnke and Dr. Murr are respected MDS and both have "Center for Excellence" standings. I've heard through Dr. Murr's office that he is one of the top ten leading bariatric surgeons in the US.  I figured that out when I found he's the COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE for the ASMBS and the EC Liaison for the Bariatric Medicine Committee of the ASMBS (which is a site all WLS patients should become familiar with ----> www.asbs.org

Definitely get in to see your General.  If your general is not "bariatric friendly" your surgeon can recommend a PCP for you (make sure they are in your insurance's plan before making the switch though).  Dr. Murr's office offers the nutritional counseling required by your insurance company as well.  I think it's $25 per session.  I chose my PCP because my PCP is only $15 to see him and I educated him on what my notes needed to say!  You will probably have to have a psychiatric evaluation which the insurance company will cover (Dr. Murr's office bundles your psych into your administration fees)...and speaking of those ---  You will also have to become very familiar with "administration fees" :(  If you have to start saving your pennies, start now.  You will PROBABLY need at least $750-$1200 upfront and then you're 10/20/30 percent that you pay on BCBS...whatever your rate is :X 

One last thing, with UHC I had to have at least a 1 year history of being overweight.  Ask BCBS about that standard as well. 

I hope I've helped.  Email me anytime. Or message me.  My personal email is [email protected].  You can catch me on Yahoo IM under unleashedstorm. It's important to me to educate everyone of the pitfall of insurance journeys.  I work in the industry (I'm a Medicaid, FS and Cash Assistance case manager) and I understand how the "system" works :) Take care and good luck!

Thank you very much- very helpful. I am going to call my primary today to start the long journey. Well its now my hubbie - he works for the prison.

Dr. Murr's office at USF in Tampa can recommend "WLS friendly" PCPs!

Oh yeah...My surgeon is Dr. Michel Murr at USF in Tampa.  I don't know where you live or how far that is from you.  But, he's aweome.  Susan in his office can answer all your questions with regard to the surgery, insurance, comorbidities, etc.  They have orientations two times a month.  The second Thursday and fourth Monday I think. But, check them out!

Starts With YOU!

  Mirror Work is a very powerful exercise to increase Self-Esteem and remind us of our excellence. When we look into the mirror, most of us are used to criticizing what we see and focusing on what needs "fixing." It can be very difficult to look into the mirror and tell yourself "I love you and accept you completely."