I started this journey years ago, but started the Lap band Journey as my 2008 New Years resolution. The year was trauma and drama, I fought BCBS of Arkansas all the way to the Arkansas Insurance Commission, who would not even acknowledge I existed, much less assist me. Moved my insurance to United Health Care and changed my Lap band doctor and today I got the call that I have waited 14 months for, I AM APPROVED. So here I am 51 years old male at 320 pounds. I go to the Shrink on Monday, not a insurance requirement but a doctor requirement since he had to remove a band from someone who was not prepared. I will then go on two weeks of liquid diet and Monday we will set a date. This may sound odd, but I am excited that someone is going to invade my body and implant a foreign device,but I am. I appreciate all of your entries since that has got me though this process. Thanks to all....

Congratulations...you fought the good fight, and WON! I think the whole insurance maze is set up so we can appreciate our bands more when we FINALLY get them! Good job! -BG

Congratulations on your insurance approval! I am also in Arkansas. I work in Searcy. Are you in Little Rock? Which doctor are you using? My surgery date is March 25th and I'm using Dr. John Baker in Little Rock. I go March 5th for my consultation. I have BlueAdvantage which is a subsidiary of Ark BCBS... and I had to fight a pre-exisiting clause that they tried enforce on me. But I do medical billing for a clinic so I knew how to fight them and thank the Good Lord, I won! I'm so proud for you!!! You are truly on your journey to a new healthier you!!! Congrats!

Thanks for your comments, sorry for the delay in response. I am using Luttrell. I will get my date on Monday. I do not know why the insurance companys fight the lapband. There is a new report out that says the Lapban is the most cost effective way to lose weight. I will keep you posted as we proceed.