Oldie, but Newbie...waiting on approval BCBS Minnesota

I had lap band surgery back in 2006, I lost about 32 pounds and that was about it. All this time, I have been struggling to lose the weight, going back to my old habits of pills and protein shakes and managed to lose 15 more pounds, but have gained 20 of the total 47 pounds lost. I went to my Dr office to learn that my band had tilted and they suggested the sleeve. I've been trying to get approved since November and still waiting. I recently went back to my doctor and they have resubmitted my paperwork for the third time. It is very frustrating. Has anyone else had to wait so long for approval?

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!  It took nearly 3 years, 2 appeals, and a hearing.  Keep your eye on that prize!!!!

 

Definitely, and it is frustrating fighting. I deal with pain at my port area daily, and I don't really know why because my doctor took all the saline out about eight months ago. But I will continue, no matter how long it takes.

Oh yeah the insurance co.s are a pain in the rear and make revisions a living nightmare if they even cover them to begin with. Keep at it and don't let them, bully you into giving up!

Thanks and no I will not give up.

Chin up Angela. I would repeatedly call the Dr.s office. Something sounds like it is not going thru on their part. My dr's office had all the paperwork for my Band to DS revision in and knew exactly what the insurance co is looking for. I would be frustrated too but don't give up;) The crapband needs to come out....it is tilted? Well then it should be deemed medically necessary to come out. There was nothing structurally wrong with my band....it made me vomit everyday and i couldn't eat anything good for me...I was banded in 2007...and lost approx 22 lbs. 

The Dr brought up the sleeve. I researched further....I wanted the best chance for me to keep this weight off once I got it off....I already knew what restriction was, obviously that wasn't working. I needed a little re routing to help with the weight loss. Good luck to you and please keep us posted;)

Thanks and I will keep calling and checking, and keep you guys posted

 

I would check into Dr. Stewart in Denton, TX.  He is an EXCELLENT surgeon!!!  Keep his name in mind just in case, ok??