MelissaM79

Has anyone in the Houston area used NeWeigh to assist with the insurance coverage to pay for LapBand? They state on their website that there is not a fee for those searching for help with morbid obesity, but I can't help but think there is a catch somewhere. Perhaps with medical tests etc. The program looks so comprehensive with pre surgical and post surgical support.

I went to a Lap Band Seminar in Houston about 6 weeks ago. About two weeks later they called me and told me that my surgery was covered. It is covered at a surgery center in the Houston area. When I asked about what was included, I was told that any xrays, meds and the use of the surgery center was covered. I was told that the surgeon and anthesiologist would bill separately and she could not tell me if my insurance covered this. I haven't actually talked to the doctor yet, but don't want to waste my time jumping through hoops only to be told that there are additional costs that they didn't tell me about before I go through a sleep study and numerous other tests they want to conduct. When told the surgery is covered, I guess I expected the surgeon to be included as the surgery can't be done without the surgeon! Am I being taken for a ride? Any guidance would be helpful!

Has anyone heard of NeWeigh in Houston or had experience with any of the doctors? Other than Spivak and Spiegel, who have others trusted and been happy with to perform their LapBand?

Are there any teachers in the Houston area who have had success with United Health Care coverage on their Lap Band surgery? If not how does one afford the $15000-17000 for the surgery? At this point I am desperate.

When you talk about the five years of weight loss, do you your doctor supervised various weightloss attempts or documented the weightloss attempts in you medical record? Regarding the stuff from your doctor--are you talking about just your medical chart and history?

Did you need to document medically supervised weight loss attempts? How did you finally get them to approve it?

Congratulations on the 13 pounds! Where in Houston did you have this done? Who was the doctor? Self-pay or insurance?

I am beginning my journey tonight. I feel physically lousy all the time! At this moment my ankles and knees hurt so bad I want to scream. I have type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high choleterol and arthritis in my knees and probably ankles. I take meds for all of these conditions.I carry a great deal of weight around my midsection and have lower back trouble. My mobility is decreasing with each passing day. I have difficulty finding a comfortable position that enables me to fall asleep and stay asleep. I was always an athletic tomboy, but still fat. I have tried liquid diets, Quick Weightloss, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and low carb/high protein diets. I used to walk regulary, but am unable to now because of the pain in my knee and ankle joints. I believe that if my entire way of life has changed, it is time to do something radical. My insurance carrier is United Healthcare and I am unsure if lapband surgery is covered. I am currently 258 pounds and 5 foot seven. I am a teacher in the Houston area and wondered if any other Houston teacher has had this procedure and whether it was covered by healthcare provider. If not, how do people afford the $15000?!!? If it is financed, what are the interest rates like?:help: