My name is Kari, I'm 23 and I live in the Portland, OR area. I'm just about to start my Lap Band process and am not currently banded. I joined to learn more about the band, for support, and insurance processes and how people handled their insurance companies.

Other than that I'm currently taking a break from going to beauty school for various health reasons, and am anxiously waiting to go back!

Hi. I was banded 5/21/2008. My insurance co is BCBS IL. I was denied twice, filed an appeal, and was finally approved. The Bariatric Coordinator at my surgeon's office handled everything for me.

Best wishes to you!

Welcome MissKacey!

And good luck in your journey. You will learn plenty about the band here and get all the support you need. As for insurance, I called my insurance to see if it was covered then I let my surgeons insurance coordinator handle all the gory details. First step is to learn as much about the band as possible and go to a seminar.