New and Have a question

I have meet with Dr. McKane and so far everything looks good except for the fact that I have not been to any doctor in about 4 years. I have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I have checked my insurance policy BCBS Excellus and it clearly states it needs a letter from a physician. I have made an appointment with my old OBGYN (last doctor I saw) and I have called a primary that Dr. McKane's office suggested. So here is the question "What do you think my chances are of being approved?" Do you think it would be better to establish myself with the new primary for a year and then try for approval or what? Any help would be appreciated

Well I think they might want you to have a 6 months supervised diet but ya never know with some insurance companies. What you should do is call the insurancompany and ask them what the requirements are for the surgery and see what they tell you and take it from there. Also always get the name of the person you spoke with and what departmnt they are from because they always try to pass the buck when you call back when you are upset because they gave you the wrong info. Congratulation to you to you on your decision . May you have an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery. Please keep us posted on how you are doing on your journey to a new and healthier life. God Bless You and Have A Great Day And Weekend! Evelyn 247/137/past goal

Thank you for the advice. The nurse at the doctors office said I had the best insurance and she has had good luck with them. I am going to talk to the OBGYN about my records(even though they are a little old) when I go next week, I had high blood pressure and high blood sugar when I was pregant and I also weight what I did when I delivered my last child. I do not mind going on a supervised diet and waiting a little bit longer. I just want to do this the right way and not rush things. Thank you

Lara, I had Dr. Cole who is in McCane's office. I have the same insurance and was approved within 1 week. It is excellent insurance. A year ago I had BCBC of NE PA and was denied even after appeal - go figure Blue Cross approved and Blue Shield denied it. Make sure you find a doc that believes in the surgery before you spend the money going through a check up. Maybe your GYN can do a complete physical on you, do your bloodwork, then do a letter based on that compared to your previous information, explaining the family history, etc. It's worth a shot. Good Luck! Maybe we can meet at the support Group at Arnot Hospital. Meets the 1st monday of each month at 6pm. I am 2 weeks out so my journey has just begun. If there is anything I can do, let me know. Terri

Debbie at the office told me the insurance was great. She also suggested seeing Dr. Burke in the Arnot Medical group (upstairs from their office). I called Dr. Burkes office and they are not sure if they can take anymore new patients but when I told them Dr. McKane's office suggested I call them they took my information and will call me back but I called Debbie and she gave me another name of a doctor they use alot. I plan on talking to the OBGYN when I have my appointment on the 11th. I just read your profile Teri and I hope you are feeling better. I am sure it will all be worth it but that is the one thing I am not looking forward to is the staples. I am going to try and make the next support meeting so maybe I will see you there.

Lara I also have BC/BS. Call the local office and speak to Debbie. Tell her you want a copy of their policy on weight loss surgery. She will send it to you immediately. It lists all criteria required for approval. Congratulations on your decision and Good Luck in your journey Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda