Just starting process...question on diet req - BCBS-MN

Hi, I've just started this process...I've registered for the seminar, which is July 13. The lady at the clinic office said I could go ahead and do a couple of things in the interim, but also call the day before each weekly meeting to see if anyone canceled. She said I could get medical records, make the appointment for the psych evaluation, and, of course, check on my insurance. I called the insurance today. I knew it was listed as requiring preapproval, so I thought it was covered. It is eligible for coverage, she said, with the usual info about BMI of 40, medically necessary, etc. She also said a 6-month doctor supervised diet, and I asked what that meant, really. Like that your doctor knows you've tried for that long or longer? Like a real supervised diet? She said that there's a history of trying to lose weight, which is much easier to prove, I'd think, than a doctor-supervised diet. It's BC/BS of Minnesota - Aware PPO.  Does anyone have experience with this BC/BS and know what I should expect?  THANKS!!!!!! Tracey :)

I am fighting with BCBS of IL right now about the diet.   My doctor did not put enough detail in my monthly visits so they denied me... I have to do the 6 months again and get the doctor to write more details. Get all the details you can written down. GOOD LUCK

Hey, Sally, I just noticed you're from D'Iberville! I have lived in Iowa for the past 3 years nearly, but I'm from Biloxi! I lived in Jackson most of my adult years, but home will always be Biloxi. :)

Oh, what a pain for you! I hope you get it straightened out and don't have to repeat the entire diet process. I talked more in-depth today with my insurance c/s rep, and got info that makes me feel better. Though the guy today couldn't find where she quoted 6 months to me (it's 12 months in what he has for dr-supervised diet), he did say that it is a guideline. He said that the medical history and data sent in could be enough for them to decide that this surgery is the best course of action with no further diet, etc necessary. He said they will look at everything submitted and decide what, if anything, is needed to proceed. I gave him an idea of where I am with the criteria, and he said they definitely will look at it closely and possibly not require anything new, though he, of course, can guarantee nothing, just that it's possible to be approved right out with the right info. He said my doctor can write a letter, too, that I don't need to submit all medical records when they can provide the important info in a letter. I told him that I am in no way just skirting the minimum requirements either! I have a BMI of 52 :(  and medicated high blood pressure for 3 years running now. Plus, I have a medical history including seeing a rheumatologist for my back (L4 and 5 out of whack) due to weight, prescription for Xenical years ago, lots of WW and ediets.com, and no success greater than a loss down to 233 at one point years ago. Most recent successful weight loss was 30 lbs in 2002 (down to 279), a diet that ended when I got pregnant with twins. Now I just can't seem to get the weight off at all, and I"m at 295 :(.  I'm much more hopeful after talking to him more in-depth today. Yesterday's call was much quicker, while I was driving to work, lol.  I also have a PCP appt tomorrow, my annual exam, and plan to ask her a lot about what she can put together for me, including having my medical records from before we moved here 3 years ago. I figure that will help save time in the event more info is needed. I am registered for the seminar on July 13, but hope to find they have a cancellation some Friday before that. Otherwise, I have a month to line up ducks before I even make the first step.