Okay so heres the deal. Im 24 years old. Ive been overweight all my life. I weigh about 260, im 5'6. I have not been diagnosed with any medical problems. How should I go about starting this whole thing up and if it wont be insured by my insurance is it even feesable to pay out of pocket?

The first thing to do is research, research, and more research. Then, most surgeons that do the band offer seminars. I would attend some of them. Find out as much as you can about the different surgeons so you can make an informed choice as to which one you want to have do your surgery.

It is feasible to have this surgery as a self-pay. I refinanced my home so I could have. You can take out a loan, there is carecredit, etc.

Looks like you have a conference happening there right now:

Seattle Bash & Band

The Sixth Annual Seattle Bash & Band Educational Conference. February 15,16,17

I also now there is a good office in Everett WA -- depending exactly where you live in Seattle area.

Best Wishes.

The first thing I did was call my insurance comapnay and find out if they cover and what guidelines you have to meet in order to qualify for coverage. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and my requirements were a BMI of over 35 with one or more co-morbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc...) If no medical issues then a BMI of 40 or above. Its a good place to start so you know what youre up against in that deaprtment. Next - research a good Dr. in your area and see what their preop prerequisites are. You can do it, it just takes some time and a little extra effort. Good luck with everything!:wub:

Angie is correct. Call your insurance company and ask for a WRITTEN list of requirements that they mandate in order to pay for weight loss surgery. Once you know if you're covered, you can move to the next step... choosing a surgeon. Look for a designated Center of Excellence. Good Luck!

Hello, Teresa... as others have said talk to your insurance and a get a name, ask them if they cover, and to direct you to their policy online. I was prepared to selfpay and think of it as a car payment... the difference would be that this would be much more of a value to me than any new car! I have BCBS FEP and they do pay. Then I found out my surgeon isn't a participating provider but they will still cover 75%... I'm still so happy that I called and I know... Good luck to you, I'm so excited about getting my band soon.

Gr8... Wow... you've lost over 100 pounds since last April? That's so wonderful... I know that must have been a lot of work, even with the assist of the band. Congratulations on your success... and how did you do it exactly?

I am having surgery Feb 26th with a BMI of 36 and no health issues and my insurance is covering 100%