:confused: Hi there! My name is Tammy. I am VERY interested in getting the Lap-Band surgery. I have been overweight for about the last 13 years. I am desperate. I have tried Weight Watchers, diet pills, Atkins, etc.... you name it, I've done it.

My issue is that I really don't know where to start. I work for a hospital that has insurance that covers the lap-band surgery up to 10,000. I called today to get details, and honestly, I didn't get too far. Does anyone have any suggestions? Do the dr's offices help out with finding out how the insurance works?

Welcome to LBT, Tammy.

The first step for my surgeon's office and others in my area is to go to a seminar to learn more about weight loss surgery options and their practices. The doctors &/or seminar facilitators gave us a lot of information, including a packet about various insurance companies and what they generally cover. Since I didn't have WLS insurance, I can't say for sure what the next steps were, but it seemed that at that point you were supposed to contact your insurance providers to get the nitty gritty details.

Hi Tammy,

I too am about to embark on this amazing journey. Where do you live? I am in Los Angeles and my sister who has been such an amazing support for me just called and told me she signed me up for a free support group and seminar that will have many old patients and I'm sure many answers to our questions! Let me know if you want more information on time and location.

Good luck to you. :thumbup:

Hey, Tammy, yes, the surgeon's office should provide support in getting the authorization and approval from your insurance. They should be able to guide you. I would suggest if that person was not that helpful, maybe try a different personnel or office. I am in Kansas, and this office that I'm starting with is wonderful! They are so helpful!

But yes,first is the seminar.

Hope you can find the information that you need.