Hoping2LoseBig

Wow, EMT, that is not bad at all. I'd love to have insurance cover 100 %, but I'm thinking I can deal with around $600 or so. So I'm assuming everything had been filed and approved before you even had your initial visit?

Carmen, is UHC pretty good to send letters to you as they send them to the doctor? When I called to see if my policy covered the lap band, I was told yes (depending on qualifications such as BMI over 40, 5-year documentation of weight, etc.) and then the representative read me an Explanation of Benefits. I asked her if I could get a written copy of the explanation that she read to me, and she told me to go to www.myuhc.com to find all the info. I have looked and looked and cannot find the information anywhere under my Benefits section. Under "Bariatric Services," it says "Not applicable." Any ideas??

Carmen, ss UHC pretty good to send letters to you as they send them to the doctor? When I called to see if my policy covered the lap band, I was told yes and then the representative read me an Explanation of Benefits. I asked her if I could get a written copy of the explanation, and she told me to go to Health Insurance Quotes for Medical Insurance, from UnitedHealthcare. I have looked and looked and cannot find the information anywhere under my Benefits section. Under "Bariatric Services," it says "Not applicable." Any ideas??

Do you normally have to have the psych evaluation and any other tests (such as sleep study) done BEFORE you file with insurance? I sure don't want to have to pay out-of-pocket for all that before being approved. It would suck to go through that and then be denied.

I am really impressed with UHC judging by your responses. I hope I have similar luck!! I have UHC Choice Plus POS. I called and I was told they would cover based on BMI over 40 and the 5-year weight documentation. I have both of those and they have been submitted to UHC for approval. In the meantime...I have my first visit with the surgeon in three weeks. On the information I received at orientation, they told us that there is a $300 fee just to meet with the surgeon on that first visit. If I have not yet received approval on the surgery from UHC, does that mean I will have to pay the $300 that day? Or would UHC cover it as a regular co-pay? Anyone have experience with this? Also, for those of you who have been covered by UHC for this surgery, what kind of out-of-pocket costs did you have? I know all policies are different, but I'm still curious on an average of all your costs (doctor's visits, psych evaluation, surgery, fills, etc.) Thanks in advance!

Those of you who are having the painful periods...are you on any kind of birth control or hormone? I have taken a low- dose BC pill for years...but I'm wondering if I should talk to my gyno about possibly getting on something else BEFORE I have this surgery?

Hi everyone! I am new here and am considering getting the lap band. I took the first step recently and attended a seminar at a local hospital to learn more about bariatric surgery. I am weighing the pros and cons between the lap band and gastric bypass. I was wondering: why did you decide to get the lap band vs. other types of surgery?