i was just informed by my insurance co. HAP( Health alliance plan of mich). that i am approved for a by- pass. I meet all the criteria, but they do not cover lap-bands. Why i asked. Because we don't! I pressed on for a reason and i got they don't work as well and we get better results with the bi-pass. Obviously the feel that obese people are not informed enough and too stupid to make an informed decision. I have to write an appeal and as far as i know, no one has gotten a lap-band from HAP. most other insurance companies in MIch are paying for them but Hap won't. What can I do. I'm not going to Mexico. I can't afford that either. any suggestions, like a good lawyer? cheap

thank you Bats

This might not help, but I could not afford a band either. But my husband told me that I was always good at getting new credit cards. We were way in debt, but I tried anyway and the credit union approved me for another $8,000. It sounds insane to accept that loan, but my band is paying for itself. If the credit union refused me, I'd have written checks in advance to a bunch of cheesy quick-cash places. I'd have pawned all my jewelry, cashed in all my change. I was dying. There was no choice.

In order to pay for my band I made a couple sacrifices. I used to get manicures 2ce a month. No more. And I cancelled our Arrowhead Water delivery and bought a $20.00 Britta filter.

My food bill is crazy now. I don't pick out anything for myself. My meals are whatever food my husband doesn't finish. I was spending tons on Taco Bell, Jack in The Box, etc. Fast food 5-10 times a week. Now fast food sounds gross to me. After the surgery all I wanted was liquids cuz I was afraid to eat anything else. Once they allowed me real foods, my body craved healthy stuff. Like my body knows it needs Protein. I was craving tomatoes and asparagus.

My credit card payment is $130.00 a month. I found ways to come up with the cash. It's worth every red cent.

I have dual coverage. I have Blue Shield through my work and Health Plan of Nevada through my husband's. Both approved the bypass, neither approved the band. I could have appealed it, but I wanted to start living right this second. Screw the insurance companies. As far as this new debt, hell, the credit union shouldn't have given me the money cuz I was behind on my mortgage with them, so let them try to repo my band!