pistol1994

I am in Idaho if that helps. I'm going to do the psych evaluation and pre op appt this week and then they will submit everything for me . The secretary stated that if we get denied she will keep appealing. I have an appt with a weight loss doctor on Tuesday too to start the 6 month plan just in case I need to wait. Thanks for all your help and if I could get any sample letters to help my appeal I would appreciate it. Also I started the weight loss thing about 8 months ago but went in to get weighed only 2 times. I am heavier now so if I could prove that it didn't work for me.

I was thinking that as well. I'm just going to start going in to the doctor now so in 6 months I can get it done. Thanks! Crystal

I have blue cross blue shield of alabama for insurance. I have already checked and they do cover lap band with this criteria: 1) Complete BMI 2) Medical records for 3 yrs. 3) Medical records must document a medicallly supervised weight loss program. At least one attempt during one (1) year prior to the request and documented participation in the approved weight loss program for six (6) consecutive months. 4)No smoking 5) obesity for 3 yrs. My problem is: I meet the criteria in every way but the 6 month weight loss program I only went in to get weighed 2 times within the first 7 weeks. From my understanding it has be be 6 consecutive months meaning every month. Am I wasting my time and effort even trying to submit all this? I really want this done but I cannot afford it out of pocket even with carecredit. If anyone has suggestions or help to face a denial please let me know. Thanks! Crystal kimandcrystal@aol.com

Hi there, I just wanted to say thank you for this thread. I bought mine yesterday. I love them but my hubby hates them. I don't know what to do. I will try and post some pictures later on to see what you all think. Crystal

Its nice to have people to talk too and in the same area how nice. Zoomama: When do you plan to have surgery? I'm hoping for November or December. pistol

I would love to keep in touch! I'm living in Pocatello and I'm planning on having my procedure done in Blackfoot by Dr. Avila. How about you? Congrats on your weight loss that's awesome and gives me tons of hope. I have had 3 kids and 3 losses so my body has been through heck and I'm hoping and praying I can have this done to help me feel better about myself especially my stomach from all my c-sections. Looking forward to talking more! pistol

I live in Pocatello as well and just turned in all my info to insurance company and hoping to get approved. I'm going to Dr. Avila as well but I haven't asked how much is the lap band procedure? If I get approved my insurance company will pay 90% which is great but just wondering what my out of pocket with be and if they have payment plans! Congrats on your success. Pray that I will get approved too! pistol

I have turned in all my paperwork to my insurance and I'm hoping I get the approval for my banding in Idaho. I have an appt. with my bariatric surgeon soon and my insurance covers 90% of the procedure. Does anyone know how much banding is in Idaho? Just wondering what I can expect to pay. Please pray for me that I get approved. I am about 70-80 lbs overweight. :eek:

where is dr. avila located? Can anyone tell me how much lapbanding costed with insurance and without? I'm very interested in getting this done. Any info would be appreciated.