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What do you all think about borderline hypertension along with my high cholestrol? I had a stress test on Friday and even though my heart checked out fine, the doc said I am borderline with high blood pressure. I too am under a BMI of 40. I think I am about 36.5 or something. I am gathering all my supporting documentation to hopefully get approved through BCBS HMO of Indiana.

That's great news that you will be covered! They make it sort of a bitter sweet situation it seems. It's bad you have big problems, but good that you have what it takes to be covered! It seems that this system is set up to encourage over weight people to keep on eating until they reach that magic number! I hate to say it like that, but like me for example...I have been overweight for 30+ years. I don't consider myself a huge over eater nor a huge sweet eater. It just has always been this way. I need a tool to lose weight. I have tried weight watchers...and yes...I really tried. I stuck with the plan. It helped to a degree, then it just stopped working. I continued to stay on plan, but then slowly began my regular habits because the plan was no longer working. I didn't really gain much of what I lost back...only difference...I was eating everything I wanted. No real loss or gain. Given the two choices? I chose to eat what I want. I hate to even think that I would put myself in the mindset to gorge myself on purpose so that I could gain 20 pounds and be a good candidate. I can see how desperate people would do that because the surgery is so expensive to pay out of pocket. Geeez...maybe as this surgery proves to be an effective tool for those of us who really want to get it right this time, it will perhaps someday get a little easier to obtain approval!

wow...there seems to be a huge difference from one policy to the next. I guess we all kind of know that though...it's just luck of the draw on what each particular policy will cover. I have Anthem BCBS in Indiana. My BMI is about 35.6 and I am filling out the paperwork and getting started this week with "the process". My co morbidities are high cholestral, gerd, foot problems. I feel some of those won't fly unless I have some documentation and letters from doctors stating weight loss would be highly beneficial. I am going to try to be very careful and have as much documentation as I can muster up. I know sleep apnea is a comorbidity. I think I can be tested for that as I am not sure if I have it or not. My husband would never hear me snore since he prolly snores louder than I do anyway. I do wake up quite often at night and good grief...I have to pee all night long. I am hoping I will have enough to get me covered for this.

Wow! 4 hours? I am glad you told me. They called yesterday and set me up for next week. I have asked my husband to come home from work early to watch the kids. I am supposed to receive a packet in the mail with information.

Yes...I found out yesterday that it is Mark Shina. He has a good reputation from all I have read. I am scheduled for a consult on the 13th of this month. I really like the idea you get to see and talk to the doctor without upfront fees! He does seem to be the only one doing that in this area.

I guess I will find out if there are any upfront fees once I get started after my seminar. I just don't get why you have to pay upfront money if it is covered by insurance. I am going to consult with my insurance company to see if I can avoid all that if it comes down to it. I wouldn't mind so much if I knew I would be reimbursed....but still...if it's a covered service...why pay upfront. Guess I will find out sooner or later!

Thanks Cocoa..I am reading my list of criteria that needs to be met. This came from Anthem BCBS. It states whether patient has failed conservative therapy and to outline conservative therapy. I have my weight watchers records...but I haven't attended WW since about Feb. or March 2008...hopefully too much time has not passed since I tried WW. I will see what they say if I get to talk to anyone at the seminar on the 10th.

I talked to my insurance co. on Friday. In order for them to cover anything..I need to use an in network doc. I found Dr Lusco and associates in Louisville and contacted them. First step is attending a seminar on Nov. 10th. I've already been to one, so I know what they are like unless this one is different. There is one place in Louisville called Right Weigh...they say they don't charge any up front fees if you are covered by insurance.

Hi everyone. I am new New Albany. Where did you all get banded? I am looking into Louisville Bariatrics with Lusco. I hear the surgery is done at Clark Co hospital. Has anyone used them? I am in the early stages of getting my info together and choosing a surgeon in network. Hopefully my insurance will pay some or all of the costs!

Hi all! I live in southern Indiana...right across the river. I am in the process of doing my research and trying to figure out who to go to and if my insurance will pay. So far I am thinking about Louisville Bariatrics where Dr Lusco and several other surgeons perform the surgery. My insurance is Anthem BCBS and they DO cover bariatric surgery including the lap band. My BMI is 35.4 so I am under the 40 that is required. They do pay for it though with other co morbidities. They say one co morbidity and I have three. Gerd, high cholesteral, and foot problems. I am so hoping I will be covered. I wanted to ask....did you have to pay upfront money before insurance kicked in? I notice some places charge 300.00 for this and 200.00 for that before you even get your surgery. That one place called RightWeigh or whatever...they say NO upfront charges...just what the insurance will pay is what they will take. But they don't mention their surgeons on their webpage. Makes me wonder if they are like a band factory where you lie on a conveyor belt and go through the banding process like branding cattle. I don't want to go to a place where I don't feel safe! Any opinions?

I am considering Dr Curry. I have a BMI of 35.2, but I also have some other problems that might qualify me for the surgery with my insurance company Anthem BCBS. I have high cholesteral, Gerd and also lot's of problems with my feet like swollen tendons. Anyone out there have an experience with getting approved with a BMI on the lower side of the scale?

I am thinking seriuosly about getting the lap band. My BMI is 35.2, but I also have high cholesteral, Gerd and foot problems like plantar fasiitis and swollen tendons. All of it is from being over weight. My insurance Anthem BCBS covers bariatric surgery with a BMI of 40 or above...or 35 with at least one co-moribity. Anyone out there have any idea of my chances of approval? Oh...I was on weight watchers earlier this year and the latter part of last year too. I am hoping I have the criteria needed mostly covered.

how much does Dr curry charge for fills? Does he use flouro? (sp)

Can anyone tell me how much Dr Curry charges for self pay lap band surgery? It's not so much that I am bargain shopping because I am not, I just need to know what I would be looking at as far as cost. Thanks!

That's great news Chris! I don't have a band yet...I am still researching. I am hoping to make a decision soon. I am thinking about going with Dr. Curry in Cincinatti. He has such a great reputation and I am definately looking for a quality doc.

I hate to say hello Mommy...just seems funny! How about Merri? LOL! Where is Merriville? I am near Louisville...down in the south east part

I am considering the lapband surgery. I guess one of my fears is that something will go wrong and I will have to have the band removed. I know that the procedure is relatively new to the US. 2001 I believe is when it was approved by the FDA. So, how many out there have had the band for 2 years or more? Any problems? I would like to hear from some people who have long time experience with the lapband. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Brandi! I am close to the river to...just a little more south, closer to Louisville. I am still tossing it around as far as having surgery. Just about the time I decide, something comes along to change my mind! Like reading about MGB surgery. It costs more, but sounds like it is easier to adjust to. Not as popular yet as lapband...but I wonder if it may be easier on the body and easier to adapt to. Guess I have tons more research to do!

So who did your MGB and how did it compare price wise to the lapband? I am not banded, but I am considering it. Maybe I should look in to this MGB more before I decide!

and silly me.....glad to hear all went well drews!!!!

wow! Good thought stina! I don't have a band yet, but I love coming in here and learning all I can while I make my way towards a decision on having surgery. Sounds pretty fishy if those who were banded around the same time frame have leaks. I would definately try to do a survey to find out how many this has happened to. Then maybe contact Inamed with your results. They may be giving out some reimbursements if you have enough data. You could always check with an attorney if you don't get any results through Inamed. I know that's a dirty word to a big company, but hey, if the product is faulty they need to make it right for those who have forked out tons of money.

Hi all! I am in Indiana and in the process of researching the surgery and doctors. Where is Dr Pleatman located? What is the cost through him? I am hoping to find a good doc with lot's of experience to do the surgery and also be nearby for the aftercare. I will be self pay.

That's great Kirsten!!! I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about your journey to baggy pants land! That's something to think about as far as any problems that might come up. There are a few good docs fairly close to me (within a couple hours) that do after care for Mexico patients. I know that means fills...but I am not sure about surgical issues. So many people are opting for surgery in Mex., that they better get their business where they can. Guess that's just one more thing to check out! Dr. K. sounds pretty good to me too, I am still thinking, comparing and researching to decide whether Mexico or US will be best for me. I know that alot of the most experienced Docs are in Mexico so it's a give and take it seems.