I don't have the state plan. I have a medicare advantage plan.
 I do love Dr. Strictland. He is wonderful. He has been so nice through this whole process.
Kym

I am scheduled to have surgery on March 6th and I was so excited until Friday. I got a call saying that my insurance wasn't going to pay for it. I stayed on the phone all day Friday trying to clear this up. Medicare pays for it and my BCBS is a medicare advantage plan and is supposed to pay for what ever medicare pays for. I even called in January and gave medical codes and asked are these covered and I was told yes. SO therefore I went ahead with everything. Now the surgeon's office is saying they aren't sure I will have it on Friday because of this.
 I am so worried I won't be able to have the surgery now. I am freaking out!
Kym

hey connie long time no see..girl miss you ....barbara

I have medicare and I didn't have to have pre approval....but other people I know did and they just documented it with their GP and then to the Bariatric Surgeon's office.  and the insurance accepted it.....  with medicare you only have to go to a Center of Excellance which Dr Bour is....and you are approved automatically.  

You need to document your attempts, so I would suggest your GP.   If not try the 1200 calorie diet until you can get to info session.  It's easy   you have access to your computer and just look up 1200 calorie diets and it will give you sample menus and an access to a calorie counter.  I started 6 months before surgery and lost 62 pounds about 10 -11 pounds a month.  It made me healthier for the surgery.   I also started moving around as much as I could.  this also gets you ready for surgery...  I am not sure what your BMI is mine was real high so there was no danger in me losing to much (that would cause me not to qualify for WLS)     It just made the surgery easier.    you will be suprised how much food is 1200 calories if you chose right.....hope this helps