Hello Everyone

Since I have been lurking here for about a month, I have finally decided to come out of the closet!

I am so inspired by all of the stories of success and especially by the support that you give each other to overcome any stumbling blocks. I will consider myself very lucky if I become a member of this forum.

After reading and researching for months, Lap Band surgery is definately something that I want to do; but I have to first win the battle with my employer and United Health Care. I work for a huge company (largest telecom company in the United States) and my benefits center tells me that UHC does not cover weight loss surgery. But UHC tells me that they just administer the plan that my employer has chosen, which specifically excludes WLS.

Even though I have not see a surgeon or atended a seminar; after speaking to me on the phone, the patient coordinator in the surgeon's office sent in a request to UHC. Hopefully, I will get a denial soon and can hire an attorney to file an appeal. UHC told me that the appeal goes directly to my employer who will make the decision and then direct UHC to either pay or reject the claim. Does anyone here know if I have any kind of chance of getting this paid?

BTW, I am 42 years old, 5'4" and 286 lbs. Have been overweight all of my life. I haven't been under 200 lbs in over 20 years.