MizzouFan1

NurseGrace, I have heard the same thing about Malley. The aftercare is horrid. Two woman in my office both used him and BOTH had horrible complications due to negligence and had to have the band removed. They refused to order tests, refuse to listen to the patient. One of my friends was a group leader and she ended up having an erosion and Malley refused to believe it. He "fired" her from her support group role because he didn't want the bad publicity. She ended up having to go to the ER and having it removed and the hospital called Malley and he refused to do the removal. BAD BAD BAD experiences. I am leaning more on the side of the sleeve but there is no way in HELL i will go to Malley. Now, I am nervous about KC Bariatric which means I am getting fairly limited on whom is available. I had a similar experince with my spine surgery as well. The facility was fancy, the doctor was right there, the service was great....the aftercare was like out a horror movie. I never saw my doc again only his PA, nurse or med students. They couldn't get me "scheduled" to take out my staples in my back so the skin had grown around them leaving knarly scars. I won't make that mistake again. AFTERCARE is just as important as pre-care. I want the same kiss-ass, they want my money service after the do the surgery. I have heard from several women that as soon as complications arise their doc is nowhere to be found because they don't want the negative stats. I hope I can find a better surgeon than these two.

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Coventry of Kansas City? My husband is possibly getting a new job (we are waiting on the phone call any day now) with the largest Missouri University and they have Coventry which I am desperately hoping will cover lap band because our current health insurance excludes it. I was just curious if anyone knows the ins and outs. Even if the employer is different any information would be much appreciated...the suspense is killing me. Thanks!

So, my hubby just got a new job and I was all excited about the possibilty of them covering lap-band which they do but one of the stipulations is that you have to be with the company 3 years before they will approve. I am so totally bummed and just defeated. Has anyone heard of this or had luck with talking to HR about changing the time restraints. My husband works for the a large state university. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

So, my husband just got a job offer today and they have better insurance thought Coventry of Kansas City. I am crossing my fingers big time that maybe this insurance will cover Lap-band as our current BCBS of KC does not. I feel like I have been waiting my whole life for this and I sure hope they cover it and if they do that the restrictions aren't ridiculous. I am thinking Malley Surgical or Weight loss surgical Center? Anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks for the comments ladies. I probably would have gone with Dr. Malley. I hear nothing but amazing things about him and I thought I heard he himself use to be overweight so he can relate. I am hoping that maybe I can plead my case to the HR folks to let me have it sooner. It was such a let down. I guess I will just keep on plugging away and count the days until the waiting period is up.

Soooo, just as I was beginning to feel hopeful I found out they cover it....but you have to be with the plan for at least 3 consecutive years. WTF? What a load of BS. What does it matter? I am paying $350 a month regardless. I just can't believe it. I am so disappointed. :(

Thanks for the replies ladies! I know all about exclusions... I have BCBS of KC and they exclude all bariatric surgery. I know the coverage depends on the company but usually if they do cover it the requirements and such are the same across the board. I was basically just wanting to what experiences people had with them. I am going to start the diet requirement early so when we do switch and everything will already be in place. Any other info y'all have would be fabulous! Congrats on all your weight losses.

You look fabulous and gorgeous! What and inspiration!

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Coventry of Kansas City? My husband is possibly getting a new job (we are waiting on the phone call any day now) with the largest Missouri University and they have Coventry which I am desperately hoping will cover lap band because our current health insurance excludes it. I was just curious if anyone knows the ins and outs. Even if the employer is different any information would be much appreciated...the suspense is killing me.

Applied for lapband financing, hubby has great credit and was turned down twice. We just bought a house 2 months ago but his credit is decent. I am sooo discouraged anybody have any ideas? Can't use my credit because it is terrible. Thanks.:smile2:

I am very willing to travel. I can't use my house so I am running into many road blocks. I have 3-4 grand in a flex spending account but I still need 5-6 grand for the Dr. Kishenbaum in Colorado. Thanks for the ideas and keep them coming!

thanks for the advice. Any ideas are welcome. The credit card is a no go, but maybe the house. Has anyone used a flex spending account?

Hi Guys, I was curious if it is possible for my hubby to take out a loan for my lapband surgery because my credit is not so good and I think even cosigning might not help. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone out there has dealt with General Motors BCBS? I have had 12 months of weightloss (and regain) but nothing I would classify as clinically evaluated- what in the heck does that mean anyway:confused2:? I have PCOS and my(gyno) doctor tried Glucophage to get my insulin resistence under control and that didn't work- I wonder if they would consider that as 12 month documented weightloss attempt? Anyone that has any good advice- please please share. I am re-starting this journey - I tried back in summer of '07 and got discouraged by the requirements.:wink_smile: THANKS GUYS!

hey nazzy, on the 6 month diet- did you have to actually lose weight or keep a food journal? I am excited but i wish I had already done this but we will see.

hi Nazzy, I had so many different answers and I finally called Michigan BCbS and not the number on my card and they gave me the same criteria that you have(I think). Psych eval, 6 month diet, BMI >40, letter of medical neccessity. What kind of info did they need for the 6 month diet. Do they accept weight watchers or previous attempts?

I called them myself. I am in KC and I called the number of the back of my BCBS card and that is what they told me.