Sherry

Mimi, I have BCBS of AZ Federal and I am 5'6" and weigh 230--my BMI is like 36. I was very worried about not being covered but once they started to cover it in January I got approved right away. I had searched through everything to build my case. Everything that I ever tried to do to lose weight I listed. I had seen a "diet" doctor for many years in Tucson and even though I didn't consistently go (if I lost weight I would go if I didn't I wouldn't go.) I really think that they saw all my attempts and for so long is what really helped. I had documentation from Medifast, Curves, and the diet doctor. The rest was just listed--Jenny Craig, Diet Center, hypnosis tapes, etc. My comorbities included GERD and low back pain. I had to go through the sleep study test but I was approved before that was ever done. BCBS has been very easy to work with. Don't give up hope!! Good luck!

Hi Everyone! I have been reading from this site for several months and found so much helpful information on it. I have not posted before now because I didn't want to get my hopes up and my insurance not cover the lap band. I started this process in Sept of last year and did everything that my surgeons office told me to do. I had my packet all together of everything they asked for when I went to the seminar. I then got scheduled for the psychologist, nutritionist and NP. My insurance (BCBS Federal) paid for everything except the nutritionist. Then everthing got sent to the insurance company. I originally got denied from BCBS because they didn't cover the lap band. So they sent it off to my husband's insurance (UHC Railroad) and I got approved. In January 2007 BCBS Federal started covering the lap band so they resubmitted it and I got approved with no problems. I was worried because the insurance person at the surgeons office didn't think I would be approved because my BMI was only 37 and that it may be too low. Give me a break. Anyway my comorbidities included GERD and low back pain. The whole insurance process was the easiest of all. My surgeon wants alot of tests done before she will do the surgery. (I thought the stress test was going to kill me before I even had a chance to have the surgery!) Anyway--I didn't mean to keep rambling but I am finally scheduled for surgery on March 22, 2007 with Dr. Blackstone in Scottsdale AZ. I am so excited and also scared. I am hoping that mentally I am prepared to give up the diet soda and not drinking anything during my meals. I have started to wean myself from the Diet Coke and next week I will try not drinking when I eat. I have done every diet that you can think of as I am sure all of you have too. I am 45 years old and am really ready to start living my life to the fullest without feeling so tired, embarrassed, ugly . . . So tomorrow is a new day and I will try to keep my resolutions. This forum is so helpful and supportive and I will continue to learn and celebrate with all of you!