I had seurgery for the Lapband May 2010. I lost 80 lbs and have gained it back plus more. I called my ins and they said that bypass is covered (it wasn't at the time of my band). I have completed all my requirements needed in order to be considered for the surgery but today I found out that the ins only pays for one WLS per lifetime. Will I have a chance if I appeal? The denial has NOT been received yet and I am hoping that it will still be approved based on all the documentation. Any ideas? Thoughts?

I don't think they will. Wait to see you could be right and there is an exception. Good Luck!

You don't think they will approve it?

Typically, unless there are extenuating circumstances, if they say 1 surgery they mean 1 surgery and rarely make exceptions. That said, my insurance had the same clause, I'm a band to RNY revision. My band slipped after I'd had it for 2 1/2 years, I had successfully kept off a significant amount of weight. My insurance paid for the revision because I had a failed band....if I had gone to my doc and said 'I hate this damn thing, take it out and do RNY' (which I actually had contemplated doing cuz I did hate that damn thing!!!) they would not have paid. As miserable as the slip and emergency surgery were, they were actually a blessing in disguise . So it DOES happen!!!! good luck! Fingers crossed!

HW 312, pre-op (lap-band) 294, pre-op (RNY) 255, surgery date 2/11/13, goal weight 154, current weight 219