krock1986 0 Posted July 11, 2012 I'm considering the lap band I've been over weight my whole life & the older I'm getting it's starting to give me multiple health issues. I heard that bcbs no longer makes you do the 6 month diet but I have bcbs of Alabama. I've been told however they still require it. I'm currently between jobs so this is the perfect time to get my surgery done before I have to go back to work & will not have time off for awhile. I was wondering if it's true about bcbs of Alabama still requiring 6 months? Also is there anyway to avoid the 6 months diet? I'm new at this and totally lost. Hope you guys can help me out! Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cindysmom (Ilene) 130 Posted July 11, 2012 I would call the insurance company myself.. I also am sure that the surgery coodinator knows exactly what each insurance company requires. Ask them. You can avoid the 6 month diet. Pay cash like many of us had to do. Regarding "time off" for this surgery, I do not think you will need alot of time off. Best of luck.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kmt1973 92 Posted July 11, 2012 I have bcbs of alabama, surgery in March this year. I had to have it. BUT, it also depends on your plan. I would call or make an appointment with the surgeon you are planning on using, The insurance person will look all that up for you. Or you can call your insurance and find out. Good luck! Time off was only about a week, so that really shouldn't be too much of an issue, depending on what kind of work you are in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
honk 780 Posted July 11, 2012 Your insurance policy is set by whoever sponsored it (ie your employer). Call the number on the back of your call and ask whether they cover the band (which is decided again by your employer) and if they do if there is any kind of waiting period. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hujhkljkh 1 Posted July 16, 2012 I believe that it depends on your insurance. My insurance had me do a 3 month diet, but like the others said its all up to your insurance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lilbit182004 5 Posted July 16, 2012 Have you ever done any weight lose diets such as weight watchers or anything like that? Some insurances will consider that at supervised weight loss diet! It might speed ur process up! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lupediva 56 Posted July 16, 2012 Well I have bcbs of Alabama and just had surgery 6/19/12.I did have to do 6 month diet. I had been on a diet before for years but I still had to do the 6mo. 3 years of weigh in s. Physical, and nutrition class. Sent from my DROID RAZR using LapBandTalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites