[GorgeousStar06]

Hello everyone....first of thanks in advance for your replies. My name is Stephanie my bmi is 54. So here is my story my mom just added me to her health insurance, she has anthem ble cross premier select hmo through her employer LAUSD ( we live in california) . I called the insurance and they said I am covered for WLS, I asked what where there requirements to get approved they says as long as your pcp from your medical group (HeathCare Partners Medical group) approves it, you are approved. I asked if a six month diet was required they said no if pcp approves you are fine. So what does that mean? Will my doctor have requirements before she approves. has anyone had to deal with this specific medical group. How long will it take for me to get the surgery done. I cant sleep just thinking about this, Im really excited but Im scared to have my hopes up to high............

[MsVickie]

Ok what that means is this. Im gonna try to make it easy to understand. The insurance it self dont require you to meet a critera of a 6 month weight loss program before being approved. However your surgeon your referred to may. Or your PCP may even require it to refer you to surgeon.

So that is what that means. Good luck. I hope it goes on pretty fast for you. Until then read read read and try to understand all you can about the surgery. Ask lots of questions. The only dumb ones are the ones are the ones people are scared to ask ok? BTW Im Vickie Welcome to the boards if I havent introduced myself to you yet!

[amymarie7905]

My surgeons off ice and my insurance both required 3 month diet plan. I started with my first info meeting may 17th and had appt with PCP the next day to start diet plan. I got my approval in late August and had surgery the end of September! SO it really wasnt long at all! Good luck!
Amy

[gail1011]

It is exciting--My insurance did not require as much as my surgeon has. If you can document through a physician where he/she has supervised weightloss program for at least 6 months they often accept that. I have started following the bariatric plan (protein first, vegetables, then carbs) lots of water, I have gone to sugar free and I am working on making changes now. That has helped and encouraged me in my wait. Though my caloric intake and volume of food differs (1200 calories and I eat alot of vegetables) from post surgery.

I found that knowing my insurance covers motivates me to make changes now. I am still waiting on a surgery date. But I loose 1-2lbs every week. I am working on increasing activity too. I have added this site to my daily activities it helps me to focus and I learn alot about what I can expect. I also log my food everyday on the OSU web site. It actually calculates for me the amount of protein, fat, and carbs each day. The visual charts are very helpful in helping me to know how to adjust certain food groups.

Making changes now has also brought to surface alot of the emotional stuff attached to my weight. I journal and blog about these things. I'm hoping all his will make a smoother transition after surgery.

Keep posting I would love to compare notes.

[yvonneiam]

Good luck on your journey