pugutopia

Rick, ladybugchaser is right. Go to one of the seminars. Most will ask for your insurance information a few day before upfront. When you go to the seminar they will tell you under what conditions your insurance company will pay, let them work it for you! They know more about this stuff then we do. I was told by many of BCBS group holders that they called and they said they would not pay. Yet low and behold when I went to the seminar, The bariatric coordinator said that they had approved under the following conditions 6 month dietitian controlled diet prior to the surgery, needed a 5 year weight history and a BMI of 35 with two major health problems or a BMI of 40. depending on what policy you have the conditions may vary. Don't give up.. I hope this helps Robert Start/Current/Goal 289/201/167

Dear ladybugchaser, My daughter has visited my doctor and he agreed that because of genetic makeup (she has a 38 BMI) she is a candidate for the lap band surgery but because she only has high Cholesterol, Insurance will not pay. If you don't mind me asking about what did private pay cost? I don't need exact just approx, I hear PP is much less. Also she lives in Waco not to far from Collage Station. Is there a doctor or clinic you would recommend, She has been seeing mine but i am in San Antonio. Thanks Pugutopia :thumbup: Start/Current/Goal 289/202/167

Yes I had BCBS PPO of Texas pay for my lapband surgery in May 2008. I have lost 80 pounds in 5 months. BCBS made me follow a 6 month dietician controlled diet prior to the surgery, needed a 5 year weight history and a BMI of 35 with two major health problems or a BMI of 40. I had diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol. My BMI was only 35, but they approved it! Since the surgery my diabetes has been reversed, my cholesterol is normal and my high blood pressure has gone away!:redface::smile2: