In your opinion, if I am relying on insurance to pay for my surgery, should I call and see what type of WLS they cover before I even begin thinking about this? Of course I have already started thinking, and researching and asking questions, but I'm planning on going to a seminar in my town next week & then making up my mind. I originally figured I would wait until my initial consultation to see about my insurance, since I'm sure that office will have to call/send out a letter to get approval. I'm just scared if it doesn't cover it I've got all my hopes up for nothing and not in a position for self-pay.

Go to the seminar! The company that you do your lap band surgery through will be able to tell you pretty much immediately if you'll be covered. They do all the work with the insurance companies. Do you have PPO?

In your opinion, if I am relying on insurance to pay for my surgery, should I call and see what type of WLS they cover before I even begin thinking about this? Of course I have already started thinking, and researching and asking questions, but I'm planning on going to a seminar in my town next week & then making up my mind. I originally figured I would wait until my initial consultation to see about my insurance, since I'm sure that office will have to call/send out a letter to get approval. I'm just scared if it doesn't cover it I've got all my hopes up for nothing and not in a position for self-pay.

Hi Georgia,

Yes, I have a PPO--Blue Cross & Blue Shied Preferred Care (Alabama). I work for County Government as well.

Your plan brochure should say. They might not be able to tell you at the seminar.

https://www.bcbsal.org/plans/group/index.cfm That's the website, sign up for mybluecross and search "bariatric"

That should tell you if you have coverage. Or give the member # on your card a call. Or do both, they can sometimes be mistaken. Also find out what documentation you need, like weight history and supervised diets.

Definitely call your insurance first, it's an easy call and the people who talk about benefits on the phone are really knowledgeable. My doctor's office doesn't have an insurance specialist so they do all the billing out of office- therefore the people I saw at the seminar, etc couldn't answer insurance questions.