Originally Posted by wannababy

I just wanted to come on and let everyone know that I received my approval today from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.... I want to post my situation, so that anyone pursuing this can see a positive outcome from BCBSIL.

I am doing to the Realize Gastric Banding Procedure. I have had a BMI around 40-48 over the last 5 years, have tried several diets over my lifetime. I don't really have any severe comorbities, except infertility issues and elevated blood pressure. I had about 12 months of documented Weight Watchers journals, but still had to do the 6 months of medically supervised diet/exercise. I started that process April 25, proceeded to go in May, June, July, Aug, and my final visit Sept 2nd. This was accepted as 6 months, although it was 6 visits, not 180 days. My Dr was great about making good notes in my chart, ie: vitals, weight, what I was doing, eating, exercising, what I should be doing, etc; and I went to the Dr specifically for this process. My information was submitted to BCBSIL in August to see if they would accept my Weight Watchers as part of my 6 months, and they replied that I needed one more month of notes, so that was completed Sept 2nd. That information was faxed on Friday, and I received my approval today, the following Wednesday. This process could not have gone smoother in my opinion. I think my very helpful Dr.'s office, Surgeon's office, and persistance were the key parts to this success.

I am having my surgery next Thursday, Sept 18th.

That is my story. Hopefully this can help someone going through the beginning stages of the whole process. Good luck to all of you.

Amy