Question:
After waiting on pins and needles

since July for an answer, I found out that I was denied by BC/BS for the RNY surgery. The reason being `not enough weight loss history`. I thought that was a joke because I gave them 25 years of weight loss history ! I guess it`s on to the step now, an appeal. It took 6 mo. to get a reply from them so I don`t expect to have ths surgery any time in the near future. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper at this point. I would appreciate any advice anyone might have for me.    — Kay R. (posted on December 15, 1999)

December 15, 1999
Kay, so sorry to hear this. I hope that the appeal works out for you. please email me i am your neighbor. I am only about 20 miles from you and would love to help out all i can. Where are you going for surgery and you will be :). I went to btc in ann arbor. I am alittle over 3 months post. good luck to you and have a great holiday. I will be thinking of you tina [email protected]
   — Tina F.

December 16, 1999
I am sorry that BC/BS has given you such a hard time. I had an answer from them in less than a week (approval) and no weight loss history was provided at all!! What a difference!! Is yours Highmark BC/BS. I would question why such a difference from state to state?
   — Connie H.

December 16, 1999
I waited almost 2 years before I was approved. Luckily for me I got new insurance thru MY work that approved my surgery. During the long wait, I would lose hope but I never gave up. Keep at it, you just never know what the future holds. It is more than worth the fight to finally live like "normal" people. Appeal and resubmit is my advice to you. Good Luck, and never give up on your dreams! God Bless! Jan Terry
   — Jan T.

December 16, 1999
Sorry Kay, I wrote you an email thanking you for being my angel, and now you could use one. I didn't have much problem with BCBS of Ill PPO. Remember I'm having my surgery at Bariatric Treatment Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan. I had my psych eval, and diet history, but only 3 years of diet history. They wrote the letter for me and they said they have lots of experience with getting approvals. Maybe you could try them. I know you probably want the doctor you have chosen already, but when I went in for my consult, I asked about approval success with BCBS, and they said usually it is not a problem, and in my case it was approved although the doctor is out of network, but that was okay too. Hang in there and email whenever you like. I could give you some information on BTC if you're interested.
   — Rachel H.

December 16, 1999
Kay . . . I went thru much the same with bc/bs of IL ppo. Finally after 5 months I contacted the IL Dept of Ins. and was approved with in a month. It sounds like you have MORE than enough diet history. Keep the faith. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
   — Mary P.