Hi all!! Newbie here!

jasonsrt4 · October 13, 2007

Hello! My name is Jason and I am new to this site. I am 33 with a BMI of 37. My Co's are sleep apnea, and unfortunatly, documented depression. I have been on ssri's for about 7 years. Unfortunalty as some of you may know, the major side affect is weight gain. Stopping my medication is not an option right now.....but thats another thread I guess.

My insurance co is United health care choice plus. My wife told me a few months ago that the lap band procedure was covered, so last week I set the ball in motion. I had an appointment with my PCP and he is very supportive. He said whatever I need, he will provide to help get it done. I have my physc consult next week, and another meeting with the surgeon on the 30th. I am so strung out right now with questions and concerns!!

My wife had a gastric bypass 5 years ago and she has done very well. I am hoping that I can do as well as she. So if you know any pointers or tips in dealing with the insurance company, let me know please!! Thanks all. Looking forward to loseing!

scgirl81 · October 13, 2007

My biggest tip to make it go smoothly is to make sure you ask the ins company exactly what you need to get the surgery approved. The first time mine was sent it was rejected because something they needed was not completed. I had to do the appt then file an appeal (which is a longer process).

stacy73 · October 13, 2007

I have UHC Choice- just call once the paperwork is sent to make sure they have it- I had a problem because they kept saying they didn't have my paperwork-after 4 mo-they finally got it and approved it in 5 days-once they have it-it is fast-it was just getting it to them that we had problems with. Good Luck-also when you call ask for care coordination

jasonsrt4 · October 14, 2007

Thanks for the info. So should I call my insurance first, or go to my apointment with the surgeon first. I will already have my letter from my PCP and my phyc eval will be done as well. Oh by the way, any pointers on the physc eval or just be my miserable, over-weight self? Thanks!!!! Jason

stacy73 · October 15, 2007

I would just go to your surgeon appt-psych eval was easy-they do a quick 20 min one on one-question and answer-to make sure you are not too crazy.LOL.. no it is just a personal interview-then you have to take a questionnaire- mine was like 500 questions-no joke-but the psych eval was easy. with the insurance just make sure you have the weight history and letter from pcp so your surgeon can send it all over at once-then follow up two weeks after it is submitted if you have not heard anything by then.