PeytonsWater 0 Posted March 11, 2008 :thumbup: Hi, my name is Peyton. After a couple years tossing this LapBand in the air around. Today I took the first step to get solid information and hopefull the 1st step. The lady at the center was going to call my insurance and see what they say and what I needed to do or get information wise for my insurance. My BMI is borderline , 36-38. I am a size 16. 223 lbs , 5'6" :blushing:I am so nervous and WORRIED that the insurance will say NO. I really do fear it . Send me some good vibes could Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortgal 5 Posted March 11, 2008 You can call the number on the back of your ins card and ask them if it's covered in your policy and what their requirements are. Many ins. co. require a BMI of 35 WITH 2 co morbidities, like diabetes, sleep apnea, HBP, high cholesterol etc. Without co morbidities, generally they require a BMI of 40. some require a six month supervised diet before they approve etc. so just call and ask them! Tell them you're considering weight loss surgery and want to know if your policy covers it. If they say yes, then ask what is required for approval. Good Luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaliGirl626 0 Posted March 11, 2008 Do you have any co-mobidities? Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure, arthritis? that would probably help in getting the approval. My BMI is 37-38 and I didn't get approve (shame on you, blueshield~!) But i'm gonna get the Lapband done anyway. I'll pay for it out of my pocket (ouch!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tweenwaters 0 Posted March 11, 2008 I'm 5'6"....beginning weight of 229...BMI was 37. UHC denied me for surgery b/c no co-morbidities.... SOOOOO, I am a self-pay! Had surgery done on 1/17/08...down 32 lbs so far. All I can say is if you REALLY want this surgery, it's the best money you'll ever spend. If you only want it if insurance will cover it....then I hate for you to get your hopes up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeytonsWater 0 Posted March 12, 2008 I'm 5'6"....beginning weight of 229...BMI was 37. UHC denied me for surgery b/c no co-morbidities.... SOOOOO, I am a self-pay! Had surgery done on 1/17/08...down 32 lbs so far. All I can say is if you REALLY want this surgery, it's the best money you'll ever spend. If you only want it if insurance will cover it....then I hate for you to get your hopes up. Tween... Well, that is where I am sitting with thought. I have been diagnosed with sleep Apnea. I also have high blood pressure & polyscytic ovary syndrome. So sadly, this is all in my favor. I don't have 16,000 for this surgery, this I know :smile: So, for now it's my fingers crossed. The lady at the seminar sounded very hopeful about it because of the co-morbidities. <sigh> We shall see Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VegasGrace 1 Posted March 12, 2008 I hope you can get insurance to cover it but if not, don't let that stop you. If you want it, make it happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tweenwaters 0 Posted March 12, 2008 Tween...Well, that is where I am sitting with thought. I have been diagnosed with sleep Apnea. I also have high blood pressure & polyscytic ovary syndrome. So sadly, this is all in my favor. I don't have 16,000 for this surgery, this I know :smile: So, for now it's my fingers crossed. The lady at the seminar sounded very hopeful about it because of the co-morbidities. <sigh> We shall see Not that I'm happy to hear that you do have co-morbidities.....but YAY, it sounds like you should get this surgery covered. My self pay price was $9990....so it is being offered here in the US for much lower prices...thankfully. Good luck with your band journey and keep us posted. ~Stacey Share this post Link to post Share on other sites