I'm in a situation where I need to buy an individual health insurance policy. I was banded in April 2008, and an agent told me no company will insure me because of my lap band. I can maybe get a 6 month temporary catastrophic policy, but thats it. Has anyone had experience with this? And what, if any, companies will insure you?

I had BCBS and was on COBRA. When Cobora ran out I was told they would not cover me for 1 year. So I went through a high risk pool for my state. Realllly expensive but better than nothing. Google. "high risk pool" AND "heath insurance" AND your state.

FYI the policy does not cover weight loss surgery treatments.

Wow - this is an interesting issue- I would think after being banded and having significant weight loss you would be a much better risk - fewer co-morbidities and some assurance of not having to deal with future obesity issues. People frequently talk about healthcare reform - as a nurse I believe it starts with the insurance companies and employers who contract with them - As a nation we should reward healthy behaviors and lifestyles and possibly tax those who make other choices - If I chose to live an unhealthy lifestyle why should I not be the one to pay for the consequences like diabetes, hypertension and joint problems?

Wow - this is an interesting issue- I would think after being banded and having significant weight loss you would be a much better risk - fewer co-morbidities and some assurance of not having to deal with future obesity issues. People frequently talk about healthcare reform - as a nurse I believe it starts with the insurance companies and employers who contract with them - As a nation we should reward healthy behaviors and lifestyles and possibly tax those who make other choices - If I chose to live an unhealthy lifestyle why should I not be the one to pay for the consequences like diabetes, hypertension and joint problems?

Honk, I am BCBS COBRA also (till 8/31 with grace period) through my husband's old employer. Ironically, my husband had stage IV sarcoma in 2009 costing thousands of dollars in surgeries & chemos, and is now on Medicare because of SS disability. It is very inexpensive! (He is doing great, BTW.) I can stay on the COBRA until it expires in March 2012 for $550 per month. Yikes! Our Michigan Pool wants me to be uninsured for 6 months before applying. This is so rediculous. I've lost 75 pounds and am MUCH more healthy now. I don't even care if they excluded my band from any coverage! I agree that we should get some credit for becoming and staying healthier. Not punished for fixing a problem. I think I'm going to get on the phone to the State of Michigan Insurance dept next week and give em hell! Thanks for listening!