I'm 21 years old and I've just recently started considering lap band surgery. I've battled my weight my whole life and even though I've succeeded in losing weight, it's always crept back up on me. It's incredibly frustrating and disheartening, and I feel as if there are too many other battles in life that are to be fought, and weight shouldn't be one of them. I'm considering getting a lap band procedure done this spring and have already picked out a handful of doctors. Now, it's butting heads with our insurance company that is going to be problems. I'm 265 pounds as of my last weigh in and I'm 5'8 or 5'9. My BMI is in the range of be considered for the surgery and I'm definitely 100 pounds overweight. I'm calling tomorrow to make sure that my insurance company even covers it. I have Anthem BC/BS PPO. Anyone know anything about them? I've never had to deal with insurance companies before because I've always been on my parents' insurance. So begins my journey...

Any advice or words of wisdom would be much appreciated, thanks

Good luck on your journey. Getting the band was one of the best decisions I've made.

Your best bet for checking for insurance coverage would be to look at your policy handbook for their list of exclusions. If they don't cover bariatric surgery, they will specifically list it as an exclusion, which would read something like this:

"Services, surgery, supplies, treatment or expenses related to obesity or morbid obesity, regardless of Medical Necessity"

If you can do this....DO IT!!! I am sure I am not the only that will tell you we wish we had it done earlier. You are 21, go for it!!! I am sure you wont regret it.

Good Luck

One of the biggest battles people seem to have is with their insurance company. Maybe you will get lucky and get approved right away. If not keep on persevering. Don't get down in the dumps if they give you the runaround at first. We have all been there. My insurance is Medicare and won't cover the band till around the fist of the year from what I've heard. I will be patient till then and then if they still don't cover it, I'm going to go self-pay, which will be my only option. I intend to fight them tooth and nail before I give up though. This isn't plastic surgery, this is a whole new way of life.

You came to the right place for support. These guys and gals are awesome and you will meet some great people to help guideyou through everything. I too have to wait to get approved but am getting all my tests done; like the sleep apnea and psych parts. Your very first step is to attend a seminar. Find out where in your city one is being given by a lap band dr. Maybe start with the yellow pages of someone you know or have hears of. That's the first stip to take, and from there on you are fighting your own battle. Always remember your friends here will help you in any way they can, bit is mental or physical encouragement. Great group of people.

Best of luck on your journeyI have heard absolutely nothing that would change my mind about getting the band. It is in itself life-changing. Scroll down to the states and you may even find someone from your home state that can share experiences with you or can answer insurance questions.)

Best to you,

Dee

Even if you find that your insurance covers the surgery, be patient. This is not a quick, easy process. There are a lot of hoops to jump through before and after surgery. I started my journey in Sept., and my paperwork may go to my insurance for consideration by next week ... and I'm still pre-op.

Good luck, God Bless, and go for it!