Has anyone had DS approved by BCBS for PCOS?

I have BCBS of AL.  My plan requires you to have a BMI of 50 or over to get DS.  I haven't found a dr in AL that gives DS.  I have found one across the border in GA that is closer than any other WLS in AL.  So, I have a couple of questions for you.

1.) Has anyone been approved for DS due to PCOS if you have a BMI under 50?
2.) Has anyone been able to get BCBS to play for an out of network surgeon if there is no in network surgeons that give the surgery?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

i have no experience with BCBS but i had to say: i have never heard of anyone being approved JUST because of PCOS and i am living proof that WLS, even the DS, is no guarantee that you will be rid of the PCOS. mine "disappeared" for the first 7 months after surgery and then suddenly it was back worse than it ever was before.

Sorry to hear that! I was hoping the DS was better for PCOS.

I have a friend on this board who started with a BMI under 50 and got BCBS of Minnesota to pay (if I remember correctly.)  Her ID is Diamond Girl and I know her IRL, she's a sweetie.  I think she had co-morbidities and not sure if she had PCOS, but try PMing her.  She will definitely know more about the DS and BCBS than I do!

I have PCOS and I'm very happy with my DS.  I have not set any records for weight loss but I'm certainly a lot healthier and better off than I was pre-surgery.  My periods have been regular since surgery, but the true test for me will be if I can get pregnant without heroic methods.  I'm not TTC yet so I have no idea.  My endo said WLS would "cure" my PCOS and I think she is right that it has put my major symptoms into remission, but AFAIK PCOS is a lifelong thing and not necessarily curable.

If I were you I'd cross-post this on the DS board.  There are a lot of great people there who will be helpful.

Hi Jane,

I have BCBS HMO of IL and I fought my plan for 13 months to approve my RNY.
I was 270 pounds when I began the process, had PCOS, thyroid problem ..and by the time of my surgery I was 296 pounds, so my BMI was way over 50..

I can tell you one thing...DONT give up. I had to hire a legal help. They were great and helped me beat that HMO. I had my surgery on 11/23/09.

If you want I can give you their contacts.