blondediva8

My BMI is 41.5, so I definitely qualify that way. Am I right in thinking that if you lose weight during this diet, then insurance will say that they won't cover the surgery becuase you proved that you can lose weight without it?

I just checek with my insurance... It is through Principal Financial, but somehow affiliated with Aetna as well... i dont really understand it... But they gave me the run down on what is required in order to gain approval: - History of Obesity for 3 years - Current BMI and comorbities - Psychological Visit (my surgical team requires that as well) - Written plan for follow-up post surgery - 6-12 month Physician supervised weightloss program *Dietician visit every Month *Physician visits every 3 months *Documented exercise program I'm feeling quite discouraged after all that. Mostly in regards to the 6 month diet. What exactly are they looking for? To see that you DONT lose weight with it? I'm concerned because I probably WOULD lose weight if I followed a strict diet and excercised all the time. The problem is that I would not be able to keep it off. I've lost between 20-50 pounds on 4 separate occaisions from dieting, but I always regain the weight I lost and then some. Should I just pretend I'm following the program but not really do it so I dont lose weight? Also, I find it a bit ironic that they require monthly dietician visits, but those would not be covered under my plan. Any idea about how much that would cost me everytime?

Hey Everyone, I am just starting to think of getting LapBand but I have a lot of questions. I have read about all the dieting and rules for post-op and everything. A friend that I work with has the band and she has been a great resource for info about living with the band. She had numerous health problems and really good insurance at the time so she was approved very quickly. In my case, I am 20 years old, 5'7 and 265. I really dont have any weight related health problems at this point. Maybe poor circulation and my knees bother me sometimes, but thats it. I am doubtful that my insurance will cover me becuse of this. Anyone out there been in a similar situation and have any advice? As far as paying for it yourself, I definitely dont have the money to shell out in a lump sum. Any advice about medical financing or anything? How long does everything take as far as pre-op appointments to surgery? Does it go quicker if you do selfpay? If anyone has advice or would just like to share their story, I would appreciate it. Thanks!