Hi. I'm new to the forum and I'm researching lap band surgery, trying to have it done by the end of the year. I was wondering, how long does your weight have to be documented before being accepted for the surgery or what are some of the requirements to be eligible besides the BMI?

Also, how long is the evaluation period from like when they say you can get the surgery and when you *actually* get the surgery?

Thanks,

Shannon

It really depends on your insurance requirements. I have read that some people can get approved in 2 weeks, yet it took me 6 months with BC/BS. If you are self-pay, you can pretty much get it quickly.

First step is to call and find out the requirements, and then start meeting them.

You may need to prepare for a battle depending on your insurance company... but if you want it bad enough it is worth the fight.

Well, I have medicaid and I was originally considering gastric bypass because I had heard medicaid would pay for it but after speaking with my doctor and talking with medicaid, I found out that lap band is much safer and a better choice for me so the insurance thing isn't really an issue so far. But my doctor had told me I needed atleast 6 months of documented obesity in order for them to accept me? Then I have to have a mental and physical evaluation.. is that standard?

Yes. I had to have a psyche eval, sleep study, and 12 months documented weight loss.

Do a search on Medicaid on the top bar of the forum. See if anyone out there has posted their experience with this.