BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD

Im still waiting for my insurance approval. And it's keeping me on edge.  Does anyone know a WLS patient who has been approved for surgery by Blue Cross/Blue Shield?!  I can't help but worry that they're gonna deny me because I have no serious medical conditions resulting from my weight problem. We're using my surgery as a tool to help me to lose weight and to prevent possible future health problems.  Do alot of people have issues getting approved by their insurance?!

I got approved from BCBS of NY - No serious medical conditions- just being obese. Call them and see your approval status.

I was denied by BCBS 3 times, but got approval on my final appeal. I first submitted in Jan 06, and it took till April 06 to get approval.  I didnt meet the requirements- they wanted 5 years weight history and a BMI of 35+ w/comorbs or 40+ without for 4 of the 5 years. I had a BMI of 40+ for 1 year, 35+ for 2 years... I had no co-morbs that they listed. My BMI had dropped the other 2 years due to ephedra based diet pills, when the FDA banned them my weight skyrockted - within a 11 months I gained back all the weight (and then some) that it took me 2 years to lose.. My argument was as you said, I was doing this for preventative measure - I provided my family medical history, which is a nightmare :-) as well as said I shouldnt be punished for taking diet pills which are proven not to work but were my last desperate attempt to lose weight after numerous years of failed dieting, I had been overweight since I was 13 so I provided that information as well - why just look at 5 years when I had 13 years of obesity?

i was actually told that BCBS and Harvard pilgrim are the 2 best insurances' to have for approvals....id just call them....they will get sick of u calling an approve faster maybe?!?! i have harvard....an i was approved almost instantly...my friend has BCBS an she was approved instantly as well...so idk. Good luck

I was approved by BC/BS with in a week from when my Surgeon faxed them all the information.

I was approved with BCBS of NC on my first try with no co-morbs and no other health issues...I too said it was said it was a prevantable tool ....and I found out in 1-2 weeks (can't quite remember)

BCBS MN here. Had my LAP BAND in 2006.  And they were still a little sketchy on approving LAP BAND at that time. I was 320 lbs., and had no co-morbidities. I just did everything I had to do...and I was approved in just a few weeks.

I was approved first try by BCBS. I just had my surgery on Tuesday!

I too was approved by BCBS RI. I was approved within a week. My journey wasnt that easy but with BCBS it made it all the better. However, my Aunt who is on BCBS CO was having issues. She has no issues other than being overweight and it took submitting hers three times before they finally approved it. So-- just keep being persistent and don't give up!!

I got approved within two weeks for the DS the first time around by BCBS...I was shocked and totally excited!!!  I didn't have any problems with them at all!!! :)