New here....hello!

Hi, my name is Julie. I've been researching wls for a year and a half and have wanted desperately to proceed but couldn't due to insurance stuff. I was the insurance carrier for our family and then I decided to go back to school to finish my master's degree. It was during this time when I was a student , that I learned of wls and at that time had bad insurance. Long story short, I'm done with school and back to work with pretty good insurance and am ready to proceed! Yipee! Although, I am very nervous because I just found out that I have to be approved through my insurance company. Do any of you have Messa Tri Med (a type of BCBS). I am wondering how difficult it will be for me to get approved and was wondering if any of you have some insights about how difficult it may be with Messa. I've done a number of things like WW, LA weight Loss, Diet Center, gym membership with personal trainer, Meridia......there is probably more if I really think hard. Anyway, I'm concerned about the one year medically supervised diet criteria that I often hear that ins companies want. I have seen an endocronologist for a long time and he has given me Glucophage for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrom and weight problems, but it wasn't really a "diet." I wonder if that would count? I have an orientation with MMPC group in GR mid October and also have an orientation with Dr. Gluck in Oct. I'm hoping they can give me more insights too. How does this work for preapproval....do I have my primary docs write a letter to the insurance company or does the bariatric office seek approval? Any insights would be helpful. I'm happy to have found this Michigan group.....I've been in contact with others online, but it will be so nice to have locals to turn to. I would love to get connected with some people from my area....anyone from the Lansing area? Thanks, Julie

Hey Julie, CONGRATS! IT's such a huge step to decide that this is the thing for you. I have MESSA, and they were great. There was no one-year wait with doctor supervised weight loss. I know every version of Messa is different, but it should be fairly smooth. Plus having a dr who has had you on meds and such will help if they do question. I got my approval in about 3 weeks, although it can take up to 6 they say. No, I did not need my primary dr to write a letter, just the wl surgeon's office. Hope that helps. Email me if you have other questions. Melissa

Hey Melissa, How ya Doing ? Hope all is going well with your new school year. Hugs, Phyllis

That is so good to hear! I think I should get approved ok except I'm a little concerned about the one year medically supervised part. I guess time will tell. I can't wait to go to the orientation and then schedule an appointment to get all this rolling. Are you a school employee? I am too. I am a sign language interpreter for mainstreamed deaf students. In additon, I just finished my master's in social work and am desperately looking for a social work position. Haven't landed anything yet so I'm interpreting until I land that first social work job. It's hard to get my foot in the door.....school social work is a highly coveted field with a ton of tough competitors....(who have experience). It will be worth it to stay in interpreting if my insurance covers the surgery. Take care and thanks for the response. Julie

Yep, I'm a high school teacher. Hopefully they won't even ask you to wait. I didn't have to at all. You'll know more after you get the ball rolling. Hey Phyllis! How's Frankenmuth? ~Melissa

Hi and welcome! I am kind of new here too, but just a few feet down the road further than you so let me tell you about what I know. BCBS approval is a long one. they want one year of a Dr. Supervised diet. I know you were hoping that you seeing an endocronologist for a long time would count but unless you were on a documented diet with him, nope. We have similar Weight loss backgrounds. You can check out my profile by clicking on my name. I live in the Kalamazoo area but went to school at MSU. (go spartans) My surgery date is nov 7th and I can't wait. My insurance only made me do 6 months dr. supervised diet. I am glad they made me do it tho, and all others who go thru it because its a big decision. Good luck in your search for answers. I would be happy to talk to you again sometime....hugs.. lori

Hi Julie! Welcome here. This is where you will find the MOST INCREDIBLE group of friends, I am just coming back as I've been dealing with a lot of issues in my life and need understanding, compassionate people who can relate to my life style change they occured when I had the WLS. I am so happy you found US. Welcome, welcome, welcome! Hugs, Carol