Hi everyone! I'm new to all of this. I recently decided that I wanted the Lap Band. I have a BMI of 40 with no comorbidities. When I spoke to my insurance, they said they would cover it 100% but mentioned it must be medically necessary. What does that mean? I have no known medical conditions other than being 100 pounds overweight. Then the lady said I am not required to diet for 6 months or anything, I just need a doctor's authorization. Will the doctor most likely require that I do on a supervised diet first? I wanna get this done as soon as possible.

Do you snore? If you do, you may have sleep apnea. See about setting up a sleep study and getting a CPAP machine. It might take a month or two, but so does the process of qualifying for a band what with the paper work, doc visits, psych evaluation, and insurance approval.

I have a BMI of 38 and 100 lbs over-weight. I have sleep apnea and PCOS, both which qualify for the surgery. I'm getting my band June 6, and totally looking forward to it.

Best of luck!!

Hi everyone! I'm new to all of this. I recently decided that I wanted the Lap Band. I have a BMI of 40 with no comorbidities. When I spoke to my insurance, they said they would cover it 100% but mentioned it must be medically necessary. What does that mean? I have no known medical conditions other than being 100 pounds overweight. Then the lady said I am not required to diet for 6 months or anything, I just need a doctor's authorization. Will the doctor most likely require that I do on a supervised diet first? I wanna get this done as soon as possible.

With a BMI of 40 or more we/you are morbidly obese and that alone makes it a medical necessity. It sounds like all they need is a short letter stating that from your PCP. If your PCP is not on board with that, find one that is. Good luck to you

You are 100lbs. over weight that alone is Medically Necessary as far as a Bariatric Surgeon's Diagnoses. Also ask your Primary Dr.'s Opinion.

Let them know your knees Joints are starting to hurt, and they feel stiff sometimes. That is a definite sign that you are to heavy. You won't be denied by the Ins. Co....

I agree with what Humming Bird said. They want a letter from a doctor stating that you need the surgery as a treatment for your obesity. A BMI of 40 or over is morbid obesity and a disease in and of itself.

Thanks you guys!