Question:
Does anyone else with a BMI of 35 know if BCBS will approve surgery for me?
I have Anthem BCBS insurance. I am 41 years old and have been overweight for more than 12 years. My co morbidities include hypertension, gastro esophageal reflux, leg edema, high cholesterol, and an Intestinal cystitis which seems worse now that I am overweight. I just had carpel tunnel surgery. I weigh 187 lbs and am 5 feet 1.6 inches. My BMI is 35. I have been told that if I do not get my cholesterol down I will have a heart attack. My Dr. told me that Lap Band would work well for me. I am nervous about this because I do not find a lot of stuff on the long term effect. Thanks — vlb6 (posted on April 28, 2006)
April 28, 2006
I do know a little about the band... More importantly...
I have a gal in my group that had lap band and I would like to get you in
touch with her. If you would like to chat more I will do what I can to get
your answers...
Be the best you can be! I am!
Celeste
from 327 to 140 to 198 to 156 to 125 and now... Yes, I love the new me!
— shakeyourweight
April 28, 2006
I have BCBS and can give u a few hints since i just went through this with
them in great detail. I have some hints if you need them. let me know
— LKINLACEY
April 28, 2006
I was told NO on lap band due to my acid reflux. It makes it worse.
Why not try the 2 week pre op liquid diet and the post op soft food diet
for a couple of months. A lot of people lose weight 10-15 pounds prior to
surgery. Not having meat will probably bring your cholesterol levels down.
— LaurieH
April 29, 2006
Yes, by all means buy and read at least Barbara Thompson'g book, Finding
the thin person hiding inside you, and weight loss surgery for dummies. All
you questions will be answered. There are more books out there also.
Becky
— blm4602
April 30, 2006
I had lap band in Mexico in 2001..lost 50# but that's it..I am addicted to
sweets and can't lose any more. I am now trying to get it removed to have a
rny...other than that all was good.
— Lynnette
April 30, 2006
I know that BCBS will deny most people regardless of doc referal, they say
they dont approve any type of WLS anymore due to rapid numbers of people
needing it and the money that would go out to it if they approved everyone
that needed it. I do know for a fact that if they do however still do the
WLS you have to have a BMI or 40 or higher if you have any questions email
me at [email protected] but remember if they deny you , you can
appeal it. good luck
— Nighngail0318
May 8, 2006
I have BCBS and I was approved and only met 2 of the 4 years they require.
My BMI for 3 of the other years was between 37 and 40. They may deny you
the first go around but you just need to appeal. I had to appeal 3 times to
get approved. Where I live a BMI of 35 is acceptable with co-morbidities...
40 if you have no co-morbidities. Call the insurance company and ask them
for a list of requirements for the procedure. Make sure they cover the lap
band as well.. they dont here!
— Jennifer K.
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