Newbie from SC

[Jenc2 0]

Hey all! I am a 26 year old newleywed from South Carolina. No date set yet for my lapband, but I am attending my first seminar on Monday the 9th. I do have my mind made up that this is what I want, my only draw back is getting my insurance to pay for it. Any suggestions?? Can't wait to learn more from everyone and would love to see some before and after pictures of you too! Hope to hear from someone soon! Thanks!

[Devana 0]

Welcome, Jen!

Your wedding picture is beautiful.

Hope you get through all the insurance hurdles soon.

[Big As Life 0]

Hello Jen,

Welcome to the site...All here is really great support...I have only been banded since 4/6/07...I have found so much comfort and info from these great people...

I can't help with insurance questions...I was denied by insurance, so I am a self pay...but it is worth every penny...so glad I have had my band put on...I have lost 24 lbs....

Di/Texas

[rdbiles@sbcglob 0]

Jen,

Congratulations on your marriage! I would recommend calling your insurance carrier and ask, "Does my company have an exclusion on any weight loss surgical procedure?" If there is an exclusion, the insurance will not pay, appeals do not apply either, they simply will not pay. Calling will take approximately 10 min and you will not need to wait for an answer. My husband and I took out a line of credit and paid for my surgery, $13,500 all inclusive including one year fills.

[Jenc2 0]

Thanks! I called and they said that it is not covered. However, I have BCBSSC and they have approved others that I know of for the same procedure. I hope to ge the ball rolling on monday. Cougrats on your weight loss so far. I know it feels great!

[rdbiles@sbcglob 0]

Jen good luck. I don't want to discourage your pursuit to get your insurance to pay for the surgery. The others you mentioned, do they work for your company? I still stand firm in that BCBSSC will pay for the surgery if your company paid for this benefit and you meet their criteria for bariatric surgery.

[Jenc2 0]

funny thing is...i work for bcbs. i am a nurse for them. i would HOPE that it is approved. looking at a site now that was linked from something that you had posted that is really helpful on that end. thanks!

[rdbiles@sbcglob 0]

Jen,

You are most welcome, I really do hope that you can get this coverage, I'm rooting for you!