is it good news or bad news

[Rosanna86 1]

Today I called my insurance and they told me that they dont cover the lap band but they do cover gastric bypass so I was wanting to know what r the first things I need to do can anyone help me

[kisersassy 369]

Well most people choose gastric over the lapband as lately there has been a lot of issues with the lapband. My surgeons office actually is considering not offering this surgery option because of all the revisions and failure rate. Also gastric bypass has a higher success rate and you lose more weight and it helps with diabetes and blood pressure etc.. so do the gastric its good news that your insurance covers it!!!

[Rosanna86 1]

Well to me I have no choice I have seen all the ups and downs to the lap band now I have to learn everything I can about gastric bypass have u gotten urs yet or have you started ur classes

[Debbiebydesign 93]

Well most people choose gastric over the lapband as lately there has been a lot of issues with the lapband. My surgeons office actually is considering not offering this surgery option because of all the revisions and failure rate. Also gastric bypass has a higher success rate and you lose more weight and it helps with diabetes and blood pressure etc.. so do the gastric its good news that your insurance covers it!!!

My surgeon told me the same thing...they were taking more bands out than they were putting in lately.

[Rosanna86 1]

Ok so what r the frist steps I need to take if u can help me with that

[kisersassy 369]

I had surgery in October. First find out what the requirements are for your insurance. I had to do a six consecutive month weight and exercise plan. If you have this already documented through your physician then he can refer you to a surgeon. Or call the surgeons office they should have detailed directions. If you are just beginning you start by going to a seminar that the surgeon provides

[Rosanna86 1]

Thank you very much

[kisersassy 369]

Your welcome if there is any other questions you have I will be happy to try and answer. If I can't I am sure someone on this forum will be able too

[michelecaples 224]

You will need to get a years worth of medical records to take with you to your surgeons appointment that way they dont have to track them down, that.part could take a while. The surgeons office will help you from start to finish

[Debbiebydesign 93]

You will need to get a years worth of medical records to take with you to your surgeons appointment that way they dont have to track them down' date=' that.part could take a while. The surgeons office will help you from start to finish[/quote']

It's really dependent on what your surgeon and insurance requires. Neither my doctor or insurance required that much history. My insurance didn't even require a doctor supervised diet, but my surgeon did....and just three months. Call the office before you track down your history. It may not be necessary.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

FYI I'm a failed band getting bypass next month, the band does work for some but there are some major issues with it. Andyes,this forum is a wealth of information

[sleevemeup 41]

I just went through the exact same thing with my insurance- except I wanted to have the sleeve instead. My reasons for wanting the sleeve is that it is less invasive and you can still take NSAIDS. I got tired of fighting my insurance company and my doc submitted RNY and I had it approved within days. I had to see my PCP for something unrelated and she said her personal opinion was that the RNY would be better for me anyway. She has been my doc for over 15 years and I have great faith in her decisions. I go in on Valentine's Day! Best of luck with your decision!

[Rosanna86 1]

Thank you all for your words of hope and knowledge I will call my insurance on Tuesday and see what all requirements I need to start from them and my dr. See what they tell me

[Rosanna86 1]

Ok also I was wanting to know after the surgery I know I am going to have a lot of extra skin left did anyone insurance help them to get rid of it

[kisersassy 369]

I haven't gotten that far out yet. They usually wont do skin removal until your like 18 months post op. And insurance won't cover it unless your doctor has documentation of rashes and sores etc.