Since I have been a full time student the last 10 months I'm on IEHP/medi-cal, my primary care suggested I go through the process to get surgery and referred me to a nutritionist. The nutritionist did the 6 month assisted weight loss program and submitted his notes to the insurance company and my primary care sent the referral to see the surgeon. I was denied, I called the insurance company to appeal it. I then called the person in charge of referrals at my doctors office and she told me that basically she has only seen a handful of patients get approved. I've recently graduated and I have a state board exam next week and my school is now working to get me working as soon as possible. So now I'm wondering if I should bother trying to fight with IEHP or find some way of paying for it myself? If so I'm lost at where to start since really the only thing on my credit is my student loans. Any advice/help appreciated. thanks.

I have BCBS PPO and am in my second month of MD visits.

I know this is an older post but I was wondering if you were approved or if you are still in the process. 

I have a very similar case because I have been between 39-41 for over 3 years.  I only have 1 co-morbidity (HTN), but did not start taking meds until last year. My surgeon said that I have to provided documentation that it was present in the last 3 years.  I also have PCOS and have taken Metformin for a few years.  Hopefully this will get me approved... Fingers crossed.

With about 5 more commorbidities to date I wondered if Tricare would cover this for a Retired/Disabled Military Person?

Hi pharmagirl_45,  Thanks for your input.  I have been gone for awhile. I have decided to go with another surgeon, my first appointment will be this Friday August 15, 2014.  I will see what they say, and I will keep in mind what you suggested the 30 days from the last appointment.