I read on my Dr.'s information site that it is a good idea to call your insurance company and ask about the specific procedures before going to your first appointment. I decided since I can't get my first appointment until the sixteenth (seems like years ;-P) and I have gotten so attached to the idea of having the sleeve that I had better find out- if they don't cover it I needed to either choose another surgery they do cover or figure out how to pay for surgery in Mexico.

I was so scared- coming here has me so certain this is the surgery for me! I gave the CPT code and they put me on hold and then came back to the phone to say that as soon as a Doctor approves a patient for the sleeve surgery and they satisfy the doctors requirements they DO cover it! I am THRLLED!

From what I understand, they require two appointments with a nutritionist, two seminars, and two visits with the doctor- if it is up to me they will all occur sequentially thus: noon the dr, 1pm the nutritionist 2 the doctor 3 the nutritionist and that night my second seminar! ))

This is great great news!

I edited this since it was moved to the insurance forum to mention I have Blue Shield of CA through the JACL - I have the ***. I was petrified it would be considered experimental!

As a self employed wedding photographer I pay $809 a month so it is nice to have it give back!

That's great. Did they say how much your out of pocket expenses would be? I am just now starting the process, and I am still confused over what is and what is not included and covered. I have Blue Shield Ca. also. Which surgeon are you going with?