I am going to have lapband (if insurance lets me), but I haven't even takled to my doctor yet. My husband says that I have to have a condition, ie...high blood sugar, high blood pressure, before I can get the procedure. My b.m.i is 41. I'm 5'5 and 240lbs. I think I can get it. Who is right??:confused:

I have no other co-mobidities. No apnea, hbp, etc. I was approved within one day of sumitting to insurance. My bmi is 40

THANK YOU!!! That makes me feel so much better

Only the insurance Gods will be able to tell you for sure. I wouldn't have been approved---I was required 2 co-morbidities. Which I had---but it was on the list of requirements.

1. BMI of 40+

2. Minimally 2 co-morbidities and had a list of about 12

3. 5 years of medically documented morbid obesity

4. 12 consecutive months of medically supervised weight loss attempts, coinciding with bi monthly nutritionist consults.

Some of this was standard BCBS of TX. The remainder was added by my husbands employer in regards to WLS.

Each insurer, and each employer has different guidelines it seems like.

Good Luck---call them---the # should be on the back of your card---if they say you do not qualify--ask for a copy of the requirements, so you can look it over yourself. Take detailed notes of what they say, when you called, who you talked to etc. Document EVERYTHING--in great detail!!!!

Kat

Kat is right, each company has its own guidlines. Mine was BMI of >35 with at least one co-morbidity or a BMI of >40 with no co-morbidities. I have UHC. I was approved and had surgery 5 weeks to the day I had my innitial consultation.

Each insurance company has it's own requirements, HOWEVER, many doctor's offices are well aware of each insurance companies, (and each plan, rider, etc) policies. Why not just schedule a consult? Your doc can tell you everything you need... calling your insurance company was a great idea as well.

Good Luck!

It took me over a year to get approval from my insurance because I didn't have any medical issue. Except that I saw the hand writing on the wall with my mother with her health issues. And knew it was just a matter of times. I just kept at it till I got approved. It was the best thing I ever did. My husband, mother and best friend have now all had it done. It has been year and half and have lost about 75 lbs, and have much more to go but as I tell people I didn't put it all on in two years. Just keep working on getting you insurance to approve it.

My insurance was only BMI of 40+. I didn't have to go through anything else. I have United Healthcare.