where to start

[kyeladavis 2]

Heres a little back story. My name is kyela. Im 21 5'10'' and 280lbs. Ive struggled with my weight my entire life and have been researching lap band for about a year and finally have my husbands support. So now where do I even start. I signed up for a free seminar on 6/28 but idk if I have to apply through my insurance first or go to a consult with my surgeon first. And how exactly do u apply with your insurance. Do you just call them. Sorry so many questions, I just am so anxious to start now that I got my husband backing me up. Im ready to be healthy and able to run around the park with my 1 1/2 year old daughter. Any advice you could give would be oh so appreciated. You ladies are a big inspiration and I can't wait to be on the journey with you guys.

[CaGottaBand 498]

For me, my surgeons office dealt with submitting me to my insurance for approval. At my first consult with the surgeon they called my insurance and found out all the requirements I would need for approval. Once everything was done, they submitted everything to insurance for me.

It never hurts to call your insurance company beforehand to find out for yourself whether your company covers wls and what their requirements are.

Best of luck to you!

[can_do 195]

The thing I researched most was choosing a surgeon. I wanted a very experienced one that I could partner with for this journey. The surgeon's office knew all the ins and outs of my insurance. You certainly can call your insurance or look in your insurance handbook (mine is online) to see if bariatric surgery is covered. You can find lots of support and answers here on this forum, so stay in touch.

[stept04 465]

You could start by calling your insurance company to see if they cover lap-band or other WLS's and then ask them if you need a referral from your Primary care doctor. Then ask them who is in your network, and call them. Or you can just go to the seminar and they can answer your questions, like if they except your insurance. Or you can call around to different Bariactric doctors and see if they except your insurance and they would be the ones who file with the insurance. Hope that helps

~~~Stephanie

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

i had to first find a lap band doctor in my area that my military insurance approved once that was done, i had to get my PCD to submit a referral to my ins for the lap band dr then i scheduled appt with (lap band dr) got my seminar done and the list of pre op appts to be completed....then after alot of tests, the lap band dr submitted to my ins for approval..best of luck on your decision.