Hello there. I have chose to self pay but am reaching out to Great West to see if they would help out at all. Has anyone had any success with having GWL pay for all/partial of the lap band surgery?

All input appreciated!!

I am with Empire Life in Ontario to see if they would cover any parts of the surgery and no luck. Sucks we have to pay, but on the upside, I did get a huge income tax refund because of the surgery, make sure you keep all your receipts and document your travel, if you have to travel.

Thank you Wildrose! I am not holding out much hope but had to reach out. That is great news about the income tax refund. I was not sure if I could claim it or not.

My clinic gave me all the information how to claim it.........easy peasy.

I'm also with gwl...it was a no go. But like in the previous post, I've also claimed it on my income tax.

Yep, GWL denied the claim. I will put an appeal for good measure and then consider the matter closed. Thanks everyone for your responses!

I am also in Ontario and have a health care spending account and although I'm not being banded till June, they say if I have a dr note stating that surgery is for medical reasons and not cosmetic reasons, they may cover a portion up to my annual limit (which is no where near the actual cost). Dr's office said they could provide a letter so we will see what their response is when I submit the claim.

I'm was banded in 2006, self-pay... yes it's a pain it's not covered.... but look at it as an investment in your health.

I have no regrets at all spending the money... best thing I EVER did.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs