Hello, i was searching for information regarding the lap band procedure and came upon this forum. I wanted to read what others were saying about it. My first appt will be this Saturday for consultation. I'm not exactly sure what to expect yet. I guess my main concern for now is if my insurance will cover this procedure. I have United Healthcare. Well., i will come back after my first appointement.

Hello, i was searching for information regarding the lap band procedure and came upon this forum. I wanted to read what others were saying about it. My first appt will be this Saturday for consultation. I'm not exactly sure what to expect yet. I guess my main concern for now is if my insurance will cover this procedure. I have United Healthcare. Well., i will come back after my first appointement.

I have heard that United Healthcare covers it unless your employer has an exclusion. Good luck on your journey. Some insurance companies require a supervised weight loss program and a history of being overweight. If your BMI is less than 40, then you will probably be required to have a co-mobidity. You can call your insurance company and ask them. They can send you the documentation on WLS.

I just had my Surgical Consult, my first appt. After and exam and speaking with the surgeon for an hour, I was able to set up appts with the Dietician, Nurse Consultant, and follow up with my Primary doctor for a Sleep Study. I am just over the 40 for BMI and am planning on going for a Sleep Study to add Sleep Apnea to my diagnosis. I am sure I have it, my husband has witnessed it. With the high BMI and the Sleep Apnea my Surgeon will write a recommendation to my insurance company (Medica) and then hopefully the approval will come. I was told it could take up to 4 weeks for the answer. Heather

Hi HSJ,

Wow, 4 weeks is that the normal amount of time to wait? I guess i'm starting to feel a little anxious. I had originally scheduled my appt many months ago and i cancelled. I unfortunately let someone discourage me and now i wish i hadn't. I quit my job in December because i was so unhappy and always felt stressed out and now i don't even want to consider a new job until i've lost some weight. I guess that's why i feel a little anxious.

Hi HSJ,

Wow, 4 weeks is that the normal amount of time to wait? I guess i'm starting to feel a little anxious. I had originally scheduled my appt many months ago and i cancelled. I unfortunately let someone discourage me and now i wish i hadn't. I quit my job in December because i was so unhappy and always felt stressed out and now i don't even want to consider a new job until i've lost some weight. I guess that's why i feel a little anxious.

It is different for each insurance / doctor. Mine was approved pending a nutritionist assessment within 1 week. Doctor has to put the package together and submit it and then the insurance has to review it. It took about 1 more week after the approval for the approval letter to actually get to the doctor's office.