Thinking about starting the journey

[trudy69 0]

I am going to a information lecture this week, the first step in the journey towards getting lap band surgery. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what kind of pre-op hoops that need to be jumped through. Do you have to go on a diet first? What kind of tests need to be done? What do the insurance companies require?

Any advice would be welcome. It's all new to me.

[addJ0y 0]

It really depends on your insurance. All I had to do was have a BMI of over 40, show a weight history for 5 years, and be over 21. Others do have to go on diets and do a bunch of other things. I would recommend you call your insurance company and see what requirements they have, then you can go from there... Good Luck!!

[trudy69 0]

Thanks Joy.

Yeah I called my insurance company...they were vague.

They told me it is done by a case to case basis and I would have to get my doctor to submit a letter to the company to get approval for the procedure.

[Bozzj 0]

Thanks Joy.

Yeah I called my insurance company...they were vague.

They told me it is done by a case to case basis and I would have to get my doctor to submit a letter to the company to get approval for the procedure.

I got the same info from Horizon BCBS (NJ). So, what i did was researched doctors in my area and signed up for a seminar this wednesday. The doctors at this practice accept BCBS so i figure that's a step in the right direction. I've made up my mind that i'm getting the band whether or not insurance covers it, but i'm going to do whatever they say if they'll cover it. I have a high enough bmi (almost 49). It's so weird...normally i'd hide my bmi..on this site it's ok to shout it out, hehe. I'll let you know how the seminar goes...

[Bozzj 0]

Thanks Joy.

Yeah I called my insurance company...they were vague.

They told me it is done by a case to case basis and I would have to get my doctor to submit a letter to the company to get approval for the procedure.

I got the same info from Horizon BCBS (NJ). So, what i did was researched doctors in my area and signed up for a seminar this wednesday. The doctors at this practice accept BCBS so i figure that's a step in the right direction. I've made up my mind that i'm getting the band whether or not insurance covers it, but i'm going to do whatever they say if they'll cover it. I have a high enough bmi (almost 49). It's so weird...normally i'd hide my bmi..on this site it's ok to shout it out, hehe. I'll let you know how the seminar goes...

[trudy69 0]

I have a seminar on Wednesday too!

I'll let you know how it goes at the one I attend.

The surgeon I chose just recently saved my husband's live!

His appendix ruptured. I probably never would have considered the surgery had I not met the surgeon through my husband's experience. Weird how things work out that way sometimes.

My BMI is 54...but most days I feel more like a 33.

[Bozzj 0]

I have a seminar on Wednesday too!

I'll let you know how it goes at the one I attend.

The surgeon I chose just recently saved my husband's live!

His appendix ruptured. I probably never would have considered the surgery had I not met the surgeon through my husband's experience. Weird how things work out that way sometimes.

My BMI is 54...but most days I feel more like a 33.

Really? Are you in NJ? Definetly report back...hopefully it goes well!!

[trudy69 0]

Nope. I'm from Frederick, Maryland.

[emmaluvu 0]

Hi Trudy!

I just joined the forum today and thought I would reach out to you since I live in PA, right outside Hagerstown. I have been contemplating WLS for years and have decided (based on plenty of research) that the Lap Band is for me! :cursing: Unfortunately my insurance does not cover weight loss surgery so I will have to pay out of pocket. I am currently in "save" mode! I feel that I have found the perfect doctor for me and am looking forward to the day that I can schedule my surgery. I am hoping to have it done by June or July at the latest.

I plan on typing a intro message on the boards but wanted to reach out to you personally as well!

Feel free IM me or send me a message.

Take Care!!!

Emily

[stepoffaith 0]

Welcome everyone new. I tried calling my insurance only to get the vague answer also and I new all the lingo as I have worked in healthcare for many years. So instead I asked which surgeons were covered on my plan and they gave me the two that were. I contacted those two for information to see which I could get in with. One sent me information and a packet to complete, one said I must attend a seminar first. I figured the packet was the easiest but signed up with both. Turns out the one with the seminar moved faster, I got more info, there office was easier to work with in the long run, etc. I went to the seminar, got an appt with the surgeon, dietician, got a list of my pre reqs, made my appts and just finished getting my pre req testing completed. Now waiting on all the reports to get to the surgeon so he can get them to the insurance to see what they say. They call this a journey for a reason. First thing to pack in your suitcase - PATIENCE. Good luck and God speed to all of you. Read Read Read and learn. There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum. :cursing:

[trudy69 0]

Thank you everyone for all the information!

I love this site, reading through so many threads yesterday

I finally feel like I have some idea of where I'm going and what to expect.

It really helped me out.

Have a wonderful day!

[yellowroseaz 0]

I am going to a seminar tomorrow. I have an appt. with my PCP next week and I have been doing a lot of research on the net and on LBT. I wish I had already had the band put in and I was on my way to a better me.....but here I am at the beginning. I guess you have to start somewhere. Now to convince my PCP to write a "medically necessary" letter to my insurance so it will be covered. Wish me luck. Good luck in your journey as well.

[hotpisces312 0]

i am new here and in baltimore any help on what to do i have my forst consultation on march 5