Question:
I have almost finished all my pre-op evals and now med sup info

I have almost finished all my pre-op evals and my coordinator said Friday I may need proof of medically supervised weight loss attempts. My PCP has sent her info and I have sent as much as I have saved through the years but some of the programs I have tried I do not have documentation for. What to do? Ins. co BCBS of CA. I welcome suggestions.    — carolemc (posted on August 2, 2009)

August 2, 2009
Hello, Have you checked with your insurance company? I would call them and ask exactly what they need and ask them what you should do if you do not have documentation for all the diets you have been on. I have found that of all the insurance companies I have ever had BCBS tends to be the most reasonable and understanding company. Good luck!
   — kaylazoe

August 3, 2009
Contact all you doctors that you may have seen for weight issues. Did any prescribe xenical, meridia, or some other weight loss drug? Did any doctor talk to you about a special diet? Maybe they mentioned Atkins or South Beach. If there is some documentation in your record it will help your case. Request copies of all your medical records and let your surgeon's staff figure out what they need. Good luck. I know how hard it is to deal with the insurance aspect. It took me over a year, but I finally got approved last Friday and am having surgery this Tuesday.
   — Joseph Johnson

August 3, 2009
I have BCBS (D.C. plan) and am required to do the 6 month class with my doctor as I don't have 6 month of documented in the past 2 years. Any diets I ever did were not through a doctor anyway. I have to say though that even though I may have been able to appeal it, I decided to go ahead and take the classes. Some of the info I already knew, but there is some great info and great networking with other at the same place as you in the journey. Also, I have spoken with others that had the surgery right away without classes or as much time spent online researching it and I'm amazed at how much they don't know about the entire process. So, if you should have to do the six months, rather than drag your feet through every class because you don't want to be there, embrace it as a learning experience and environment to ask all your questions and also a six month period to wrap your mind around the entire process. I know waiting isn't easy, but I'm thankful to have this time.
   — Libby R.