thanks for the response, that takes a load off my mind.

Unless it becomes medically necessary, I would rather wait so I only have one surgery.

I am still loosing, (163 lbs so far with about a 100 to go) so I hope to be ready for it around this time next year.

Thanks again.

Gary

I have an HMO through UH and am currently under HealthCare Partners Network iPA Pasadena. When my Primary doctor requested approval for Bariatric surgery consultation is was approved immediately and I was sent to Association of South Bay Surgeons which is a HCP approved Bariatric Surery Facility. Even though it is about 1 hour from where I live, I travel to Torrance for my appointments with Surgeon and will be admitted to Torrance Memorial for my actual procedure. GB, Lap-Band, DS, and VSG are all covered 100% with NO deductible or copay under my insurance for either of these procedures. Revisions are also 100% covered. I am a Public Sector employee and I thank God everyday for my job because it has terrific benefits (I paid NOTHING to have my son via C-Section in a Top California Methodist Teaching Hospital with S-O-A Facilities). I am just wondering if anyone here has medical insurance due to being a County/State/Government employee and if the process to get approved for Gastric Bypass was smooth. I have a BMI of 45 which automatically qualifies me but I am also Pre-Diabetic with Asthma and a history of bone problems in my feet/ankles because of the weight. I have also been in my Bariatric Surgical Program since March 2010 and documented weight checks ranging from every week to every month or so, very consistent history of seeing the surgeon, nutritionist, nurse practicioner, and doing regular weigh-ins. Also, I have a regular schedule of seeing my Primary Care Physician for my co-morbidities as well. It has taken me almost 2 years being in this program to finally submit for authorization. I am hoping my history will give them enough info to approve me. Please let me know if anyone has similar insurance to me and what the process was like. Thanks :)

Congratulations! We are having surgery the same day!  See you on the other side!

You would never understand how much a simple phone call would make your day soooo great . Im sooooo happy to hear the words approved. My surgery date is Nov 21st in exactly 7 days ahhhhhh. Cant wait to become a better newer me ! tahnks for all the support and patience you guys had with me. Love you all

I'm at Fort Lee, VA now.  We were out at Fort Irwin, CA.  While out there I was approved but then decided not to go ahead with surgery b/c i didn't want to be PCS'ing shortly after.  So now, i'm running into problems b/c tricare has changed the policy to also include that you have to have 6 months of documented proof that you have tried to lose weight using non surgical methods.  I have done this by far (nutritionist, weight loss clinic off post, paid for privately, weigh****chers, gym, diet plan, etc) but the woman at the referral center that approves whether  the referral gets sent to tricare to get approved to simply see the surgeon, doesn't care to look through my records to see that i have tried all this other stuff.  so she's saying i can't go.  so i have been fighting with her, through the patient advocate.  i can't wait until tues when everyone is back to work and i can hopefully get some answers.  i soooo badly want this surgery!  i'm beginning to wonder if i look and see where the nearest MTF is that does the surgery, and if i can go there.  i know Bragg is just under 3 hrs away. i'm not sure if Norfolk, or Eustis has an MTF that does RNY???