I went to the Barix Clinic in 5/07 to start the process for lap-band surgery. Went to a seminar at the center and was told by them in person and via a form letter what my ins. required for surgery. Had my psych. eval., dietary eval. and my PCP submitted a letter. Now they are telling me I need my PCP to write a letter stating I've had a BMI over 40 for the last 5 years. I know they won't do it as my BMI is not over that now nor was it when I went to the seminar. I was told in person and in writing that <40 with a co-morbidity was what I needed. Why if they knew from the get go I wouldn't qualify did they have me even strt this process? I am so disgusted and depressed over this. I have BCBS NJ Plus insurance. Does anyone have experience with them?

Try looking up your policy online. My insurance card had a website listed on it. I believe that most policies that cover WLS require a BMI greater than 40 or a BMI of 35-39 with co-morbid conditions.

If you have to pay for it, it is well worth it. If Iever have to get a new one I sure will. It has been one of the greatest things I have done for myself. THink of all the other little things you waste money on and also you will save on food. I would pay for it in a heart beat. Believe me I am not rich but I found a way to pay for it.

You probably just need a letter from your PCP stating what your BMI and co-morbilities are. That he/she recommends you have the lap-band surgery done. That is what I had to do.

I would have your pcp write that your BMI has been over 35 for the last 5 years (if it has been) and the conditions you have that would be helped by weight loss.

Good luck!

My PCP did write the letter and explained I am on 2 BP meds. I don't get it. I am waiting for another phone call back from the Barix Clinic to explain why what they told me I needed isn't correct:(:car: