Hi Ginger!!

Sorry to hear that you too were denied by BC?BS of FL. I have that insurance also. Here's what I learned, and maybe you already know this, but...each policy is written differently. Mine for example is employer driven which means my employer picks and chooses what she feels we as her employees will need. Unfortunately for me she does not believe in any sort of bariatric surgery and therefore covers NOTHING. I couldn't even appeal it. I did call BC/BS's 800 # on the back of my card and worked with a wonderful rep who did everything she could to push my request through. Sadly, it all came back to the choices my employer made.  My overall experience with BC/BS was surprisingly nice, they went above and beyond to help me.

Hope this helps.

Stacy

I am also trying to hold at a 40 BMI because I don't want to go lower (fear they will deny surgery below 40) BUT the mandatory 6 months weight loss program is confusing.  If I lose weight, they will deny me...if I don't lose weight...they might deny based on the fact that I didn't lose weight on the program.

Checkng again! Anyone?

 I too am trying to find out that answer.  There seems to be a lot of debate on whether it does or doesn't, or what the restrictions are if it does.  From what I understand, medicare doesn't  PRE-approve anything.  I have a call into my own docs office to see if I can get a little more information on it.  I will pass along as soon as I hear something.

I don't know if it's an automatic 5 year ban or not, but if you don't tell them, and they some how find out, you run the risk of having to pay back all of your medical expenses on that plan. If I were you I would be honest about the surgery.

P.S. How was your experience in Mexico? I was considering it myself because of my high deductible (10k). How much did you end up paying, including airfare and hotel?