Hey all! I am a new registered user, though I've been browsing for awhile. I have UHC Choice Plus 250, and I am still awaiting approval as I write.
From what I've read, no two policies are alike! Which of course is frustrating and somewhat irritating for us I am sure. My company's policy states that any weight loss treatment, surgerical or non, is NOT covered. Of course when LifeWeigh Bariatrics called in they said if it is deemed "medically necessary" they will cover 80% of the procedure. What a difference in stories, no?
As of last Tuesday my claim made it past predetermination, and now is awaiting approval :clap2: or denial :faint:from the pannel. I am to call back this coming week to see if any progress has been made. I was told by the surgeons office as well as UHC that usually this type of approval takes 30 days. I think that is a bit ridiculous after reading some of you being approved in a matter of days. But what can I do but be patient and hang in there.
I am starting to doubt if the procedure will be considered medically necessary for me due to my age and overall good health. I have a BMI of 49, I am 24 yrs old, have consistently had a BMI of over 40 for over 5 years (try like 12), and with the exception of back problems I am in excellent health. That is what worries me. If I keep this weight on I know I will not always be healthy. My parents are prime examples. Both have BMIs of 40+ and Type II diabetes. No thanks, I don't want that for myself. Anyhow, I see that all BMIs, ages, and co-morbidities have been approved and denied. I am trying to stay neutral on the idea so as not to set myself up for disappointment if they deny it. It's something I know we all face.
I guess I am just looking for some common bonds with others who are going through the same process. That's what forums are for, right? No one else in my life is as large as I am (including parents), nor wishes to change their life as much as I want to. If all goes as planned I should be banded sometime in September. My personal goal is to be down 60 lbs by my 25th birthday in March. I am supposed to go to Belize in late Feb, and it would be nice to fit comfortably on the flight down, and to break out old summer clothes that I haven't worn in over 3 years. Crazy to think about it. Ultimately I just want to be out of the danger zone and fix my back problems. I also want to be able to have children someday, and carrying extra weight might inhibit me from doing so.
I wish the best of luck to everyone waiting for approval and hope your lap band wishes come true!
Anyone in IL currently awaiting approval? If so, who is your surgeon?
