Why does it have to be so hard to get approved?

Jun 08, 2018

I need some guidance.  I had a lap-band surgery in '05 and was very successful, lost 100lbs in the first two years.  I kept the band and remained stable with my weight until the band slipped in '15.  Now, three years later and i'm up 50 lbs.  I've exercised regularly and really have tried to focus on my weight.  I told myself i'd never be in a position to have to have surgery again.

Well, never say never.  Here i am.  I've consulted with a bariatric surgeon this week regarding the sleeve procedure.  I am at a 36 bmi which requires two co-morbidities.  The two i have are Osteoartritis in my knee and Dyslipidema (high triglycerides).  I'm otherwise healthy.  I have BCBS insurance.  So far, all i was told from the doctor is that BCBS requires six months of dietitian visits.  I don't have a problem with the six month delay, although it bumps me into the next year's high deductible. I've already met my deductible for this year.  So, i'm still waiting to see if i will even be approved.  This may be a dumb question but will they not give approval until i've finished the six months?  The reason i ask is i don't want to go through that if i'm not going to be approved anyway.

I wish this didn't have to be so frustrating. 

Thanks in advance for any info you can give to help me with BCBS approval...

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