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[Sunny11 1]

I was thinking about getting the lap band but I dont know if I qulifiy for it im 5'1 & 200 pounds what do you guys think

[doggylover 46]

Your doctor can tell you if you qualify. Also, your BMI needs to be over 40.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Set up a consult and talk to the professionals. But there is a lot of good information here that you should read and understanding before making a final decision. Pick a doctor with a support group, nutritionist, psychologist, etc to be sure you are properly prepared and supported for your journey!

[Sunny11 1]

Yea I have a doc appt on monday to let me know if I quilify or not id rather be dissapointed at home rather than the doctors office

[CaGottaBand 498]

I think insurance will cover if you are over 35 BMI with 2 or more comorbidities (health issues). At least, that is what my insurance requires.

Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 37.

[laurigee 545]

Every doctor is different and so are insurance's. Some doctors will do the band on lower BMI's if there are other health factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, ect...Do a lot of research, there is a lot of information you need to obtain before making the decision! Good Luck!

[Sunny11 1]

What kind of healt issues? I dont think I have any it was just after my daughter I gained weight.

[laurigee 545]

I think insurance will cover if you are over 35 BMI with 2 or more comorbidities (health issues). At least, that is what my insurance requires.

Based on you height and weight, your BMI is 37.

My insurance has an exclusion for ALL weight loss surgery regardless of health. Its definitely a factor when making the decision. So I had to pay out of pocket! Would do it again in a heartbeat!

[CaGottaBand 498]

Health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. If you don't have any of the issues you may have a hard time getting insurance to pay with your lower BMI. This is just based on what I have researched, so I could be wrong.

And like laurigee pointed out, some insurances don't cover any wls.

You might want to try calling your insurance and inquiring as to what their requirements are.

[honk 780]

Call number on back of your card. Depending on your policy maybe clearcut.

[Missmia9 33]

I was thinking about getting the lap band but I dont know if I qulifiy for it im 5'1 & 200 pounds what do you guys think

I'm 5'1 and was 194 when I started the process...now currently 201 as of today. Surgery is 1/29. My insurance said that since by BMI was below 40 I had to jump through their hoops but it wasn't that difficult at all. I did everything they requested...and was approved first time around so took me roughly 5 months. My insurance required one health issue I have due to my weight since I was under the 40 BMI. I have high blood pressure, borderline high cholesterol, pre diabetic, and mild depression. I probably have sleep apnea too but have never been tested.

Don't give up! My surgeon had told me that if they had denied me he would have helped me appeal and would help me. Thankfully that wasn't necessary.

Blessings,

[Sunny11 1]

Wow that good what kind of ins do u have?

[Missmia9 33]

Wow that good what kind of ins do u have?

I have Cigna as my insurance. Went for my pre-op appt this afternoon and was down 3 lbs for 202 now. CAN'T wait for my surgery on the 29th.

If you have a good surgeon who has a good 'team' working with him, they will help you navigate the insurance hurdles. I know the people at my surgeon's office were soooooo helpful!!!

Best of luck! Keep us posted!

[babykins529 189]

I have Cigna as my insurance. Went for my pre-op appt this afternoon and was down 3 lbs for 202 now. CAN'T wait for my surgery on the 29th.

If you have a good surgeon who has a good 'team' working with him' date=' they will help you navigate the insurance hurdles. I know the people at my surgeon's office were soooooo helpful!!!

Best of luck! Keep us posted![/quote']

MissMia9, I have Cigna too and I've completed EVERYTHING they required. The paperwork was faxed last Wednesday (1/9) can you tell me how long it took from fax to approval for you? My bmi is 47 so that alone qualifies me. I'm just trying to get an idea of how long I'm going to be anxiously waiting. Thanks!

[Missmia9 33]

MissMia9' date=' I have Cigna too and I've completed EVERYTHING they required. The paperwork was faxed last Wednesday (1/9) can you tell me how long it took from fax to approval for you? My bmi is 47 so that alone qualifies me. I'm just trying to get an idea of how long I'm going to be anxiously waiting. Thanks![/quote']

Took exactly 2 Weeks to the day but Christmas fell in there too so I thought that was pretty quick. Idk about your particular policy but they pay almost all of it for me! I've been very happy with them.