I work for my local school system and have BC/BS. The system is "self-pay". I found out that WLS for morbid obesity is covered.

Yesterday I talked with 2 customer reps and the Finance Counselor for the weight loss surgery center I've chosen. I got the code for VSG surgery (43775). The ins. rep told me that VSG is mentioned along with all the other WLS (he named them all) and there was nothing that said VSG was investigational.

I'm going to the Surgery Center's seminar for potential surgical candidates on May 17th. This is required to get a consulation appt with the surgeon. HOOP # 1.

I am so determined to have this surgery and not to opt out for the lap band or RNY!! :tongue_smilie:

Waiting to LIVE! :thumbup:

Jeannie

My seminar was today May 15, not the 17th. I was very impressed with the surgeon. He stayed and answered everyone's questions after the seminar. I felt comfortable with all his answers.

Guess what! He really prefers the sleeve to all the surgeries he offers! He told me so after the seminar.

They have a 3 month supervised diet, where they expect you to lose 5% of your body weight to show that you are serious and willing to change your eating habits.

He will not operate on anyone who is still smoking. They do a blood test to make sure you have no nicotine in your system.

The soonest I could get through all the hoops and have surgery is 4 months...which means Sept. of 2010.

I asked the insurance gal about my policy with BC/BS and she said as long as there is not an exclusion in the policy, she has been having no problem with them doing the sleeve!! I was OVERJOYED!