Hi I am getting ready to start in this new journy in my life . I had the lap band put on in may 2006 maybe lost 50lbs at most and now I am really thinking about the sleeve. I go for my first appointment on 8/10/12 (cant wait)! I guess I am asking anyone who has united (i have the most exsenise one the epo) . I guess I am wondering how other peoples made out with united health . I did not have united with my lapband ,so this is a new ball game for me ! Please feel free to leave any messages to help me out !

UHC was smooth and seamless and I didn't have to do all of the long, drawn-out stuff that a lot of people have to do (ie. 6-month diet, etc..). However, I have the PPO so it may be different. They did cover everything 100% though.

Take that back. I had to pay about $140 for the nutrition consult but it was only 1 so no big deal.

I have UHC and they were prompt and helpful - I'm getting my surgery on 8/15 and I saw my first bariatric surgeon in June. They also provided a packet of info about bariatric surgery that helped educate me. They are covering 100%.

Thank u all my biggest worry is they are going to give me a fit because of my lap band not being successful. I am hoping all will go well have the best packet my work offered the epo plan and I work for the state of maryland so pretty big company lol but I will see next friday hope all goes well

I had a great experience with UHC. They did however tell me multiple times they only cover one weight loss surgery. Hopefully not the case for you. I was confused when they told me that but it was before I knew many people with bands had problems.

I had a great experience with UHC. They did however tell me multiple times they only cover one weight loss surgery. Hopefully not the case for you. I was confused when they told me that but it was before I knew many people with bands had problems.

My UHC plan is great too...but they also only cover one weight loss surgery as well =\ That's better than nothing though!

I have UHC EPO. They paid 100% but I did have to do the 6 month diet. And by that I mean, I had to go see the NUT once a month for 6 months. They weighed me, but basically told me not to worry if I didn't lose any weight, just don't gain any. I got approved on my first attempt with no problems. I did have to have my surgery in a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Being in Houston, there are several around.

Of course, understand that alot of these restrictions and guidelines have just as much to do with your employer as they do with your insurance provider.

Hi I am getting ready to start in this new journy in my life . I had the lap band put on in may 2006 maybe lost 50lbs at most and now I am really thinking about the sleeve. I go for my first appointment on 8/10/12 (cant wait)! I guess I am asking anyone who has united (i have the most exsenise one the epo) . I guess I am wondering how other peoples made out with united health . I did not have united with my lapband ' date='so this is a new ball game for me ! Please feel free to leave any messages to help me out ![/quote']

I have United. I had no issues getting approved. I got approved the first time. I have the sleeve. I live in tx too. I had to pay 10%

"GOD IS WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF ,SO Keep having faith."<br />Your Sleeve Buddy <br />Zeta<br />

I have UHC but my policy states only ONE WLS per lifetime, unless it is to repair damage caused by another WLS - just call you insurance company and get the specifics - they are all different.

I was super happy with them. Especially after reading all the problems with other companies on this site. I was approved quick and did not need a psych evaluation at all. They paid 90% becuase it was an overnight stay. I got the impression for a band it would be paid at a lesser rate.

I must admitt hat I was stunned at the actual bills hat have come in. I know it is all a game where you bill a million bucks and then they write it down to $50.00 and then pay $35. But still game or not the bills are staggering. I have a 2500 out of pocket maximum. Thanks goodness.

My bills to date (I do not have them all) before all the silly discounts is ..............$89, 352.42. CRAZY HUH?

It was written down to something like $32,744 and they paid $25,000+. I still owe $2700 but that is above my out of pocket. So we will see how it all shakes out.

Bottom line is that from me United gets an A++++

Thank you all so very helpful but my next question is removing the lap band consider a weight loss surgey? United didnt pay for my lap band . I went threw my husband insurance the first time.

I have UHC. As one posted commented, it's going to depend on the options your employer has included in the policy. Best practice would be to call their member line and ask them what the coverage is. The policy I have (I have the more expense of the 3 we have to choose from) covers it 100%, no co-pay. Requirements (I was told when I called twice) is BMI 35+ with co-morbidity or 40+ without, 5 day notice prior to the procedure. Here's what really happened (once the dr's office got their crap together and got it submitted to them....but that's a whole other can of worms). BMI requirements as stated, don't know about that 5 day thing, psychological profile (which I think the dr office thought I needed, but UHC didn't request), and then a 5 year height/weight history (the dr office said UHC requested, I wasn't told this the 2 times I called). After it was finally submitted, I got a letter from UHC in the mail telling me I was approved two weeks later (last Tuesday). According to the member line, it's scheduled 8/31....I'm still waiting to hear back from the dr's office because yesterday they told me they had not received anything from UHC. So all-in-all, I think my issues are currently with the dr's office.

Good luck!