Hello all,

I am serously considering getting the lap band. I am 5'7 and weigh 258 which puts my BMI right at 40. I am 26 and have a little girl that I want to be healthy enough to play with and have fun with. I have tried just about everything else with no luck. I am new to all of this and have several questions. First things first, I am wondering about the cost. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield in NC. Is anyone familiar with what they will cover? What total cost am I looking at, including co-pays and other things I have to have done? Im not sure what all this entails. I am praying that BCBS will cover it. If not, I wont be able to go through with it.I have plans to call an MD that was referred to me first thing tomorrow to schedule a consult. any advice? what questions do I need to ask?

Im a little clueless about what all needs to be done.

THanks for the help

I don't know the answer to your insurance question but if you scroll down on the main manu page, past the 'by state' area, there's a section for Insurance stuff. You can search within there by key words.

Good luck. I'm not banded either but my research just makes me want one more and more.

:tongue2:I'm new to this too. I havent had my surgery yet, but I have done everything that needs to be done, the 6months of visits with a nutritionist, the psych MD visit, bloodwork, EKG, and the three year medical history. I am ready!!! Blue cross and blue shield of Alabama is who I'm with and I had to pay $225 for my nutritionist, $125 for the psych MD, $1,100 for the surgery (out of poocket). I am due to have my surgery in November 09. I hope this helps you!!!:wink2:

I would definitely not rely on information here concerning your finances. Every employer's plans (even with the same insurance carrier) can be different. Not that the people who post here about their coverage aren't good intentioned - I'm sure they are.

Call your insurance company...ask them if LapBand weight loss surgery is a covered expense, what are the requirements for being covered, and what is the amount covered.

I only had one surprise -- the anesthesia group did not accept my insurance and I ended up having to pay the "out of network" expense - it was only $300 or so, but it was a surprise.

I know that some BCBS plans cover the surgery. I went private pay (about $8K), but my insurance covers my fills anyway, much to my happy surprise!

Definitely call up your carrier and ask -- you probably have to do a 6 month physician monitored diet before you can qualify for coverage. So, better to figure that out now and start the clock ticking while you are making up your mind!

Best wishes,

Catherine

I called my insurance plan and they told me as long as it's medically necessary and out patient it's covered. I think I'd need to pay for part of it though. I meet with the doctor tomorrow.

I'm in the same boat at you. Right at 40 BMI and have tried everything under the sun! Good luck!