LapBand Insurance Issues

[azpagrrl 8]

I thought I would put this out to see if anyone has advice or experience. I had LapBand done 6 years ago. About 3 years in my weight loss slowed but I was down overall 100 lbs. I went to my doctor with awful reflux so they put me on Prilosec. Fast forward 3 more years, I didn't need the meds, my band slipped! Now 3 years of it off key, it has really screwed up my stomach and has got to be removed. I am terrified since in the last 2 years I have gained back 50 lbs already.

Insurance says since I am more than 2 years post-op they won't do anything but have the band removed. Doc really wants to remove it and do sleeve for me but I am worried I am in for a fight with the insurance. Any advice on this?

[Bandista 7,466]

Hopefully the surgeon's staff will be able to work with the insurance company to get the best possible result for you. They probably have some one on the staff who handles this. Maybe you can find out who that is and talk with them. Best wishes as you move forward toward a solution!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

I think the first step is as @@Bandista suggests. If you need bigger guns after that, there is a law firm in the U.S. that works for people in your situation. You'll find it by googling Walter Lindstrom Attorney. The name of the firm mentions WLS or bariatrics or obesity. You can't miss it. I'm only providing the name, as I've never heard from anyone whom they actually represented. I believe they work nationally. (There may be others, too.)

If you do contact the firm, please let me/us know what they say. I may be in the same situation you're in.

Best wishes to you.

[azpagrrl 8]

There is an insurance lady who coordinates but she thinks the revision surgery may not be covered. She said the removal will be but possibly not the 2nd surgery. Ow they have me going for blood work and tests to see if they can classify me with a co-morbidity. Unfortunately it is purely genetics and I am a unicorn. My original surgeon said I was the healthiest morbidly obese patient he had ever met! ????