After being denied by BCBS of NC I appealed twice and was finally approved. Please do not get discouraged if you are not approved on the first go-round. It is possible to change the insurance company's decision. I received some online help and gave some detailed information about myself and had my Drs write letters supporting me.

So happy I continued for the second appeal......I was actually so discouraged after the second denial I was about to throw in the towel. Now I am approved -- horray! Going to see my surgeon on tuesday since it has been a long time since I've talked to him. Want to update him on my fears and concerns. Good Luck to all waiting for approval.

Congrats to you!! Stick around here, your experience can help others in a similar situation.

Congrats... Good for you!!

Thanks girls for your support and congratulations on your wonderful success with the band. Cocobean you have done teriffic in three years and kept it off for so long. This is something I have never been able to do. I am now about 225 and hope to get to 170 with the band. Hope all goes well for me with no complications. What have you heard about erosion with the band. This is something I am concerned about and will address with my Dr. Amanda you also are doing great for such a short time with the band. Can't still believe I'm approved after a year and a half. Persistance pays off in the long run. I only hope I can be this persistant with the band. cat lady

Thanks girls for your support and congratulations on your wonderful success with the band. Cocobean you have done teriffic in three years and kept it off for so long. This is something I have never been able to do. I am now about 225 and hope to get to 170 with the band. Hope all goes well for me with no complications. What have you heard about erosion with the band. This is something I am concerned about and will address with my Dr. Amanda you also are doing great for such a short time with the band. Can't still believe I'm approved after a year and a half. Persistance pays off in the long run. I only hope I can be this persistant with the band. cat lady

Thanks Cat Lady!

My PCP says a tighter band can lead to erosions. He's had gastric bypass. So is into WLS. He also says that an inflamed port area is a sign, so he checks each time I go to see him. I had an upper GI in September, all was well. This has been the easiest weight loss/maintenance for me, ever.

I hope it goes as well for you! I had to appeal my medical group in order to see my surgeon for a consult. It was very worth it!!