Just starting the process . . .

[al9mc2 0]

Hi - I'm Amy and I'm new here.

I'm just starting the process towards the lapband surgery road. I haven't even contacted my insurance provider yet - but I found that they do cover it.

I'm with Anthem BCBS . Anyone have any advice on what to do next? I've contacted my family MD and he hasn't had anyone go thru this procedure. But, He seems to think that it would be a good thing for me to do. He says that I'm young (35) and that I'm on the road to many health problems. I'm pre-diabetic, I already have high blood pressure, losing weight would be the best thing for me right now. I've tried and tried though. Right now I'm right at the border line as far as my BMI though.

Any Advice?

[TQUAD64 9]

Hello al9mc2 and welcome to LBT!

Before I did anything, I would contact my insurance company personally and find out if they cover WLS. If they do, then I would ask them to provide me in writing the coverage details and requirements to gain surgery approval.

There are so many variations to insurances, that what applied in my case will more likely not apply to you, because we have different insurances. Thus start there with the insurance company and then you will know what to do next.

Best regards!

[hdickey1 0]

I had BCBS and boy was it a B*TCH! I spent almost exactly one year trying to get them to approve the surgery! They said they would cover it and eventually they did. I had to send them a complete history of my weight and my high blood pressure from two or three different doctors and yada yada yada. It was a hard long process which made the day they finally said yes a true blessing! I would say to just be prepared and have lots of documentation of your weight and other problems at your finger tips. Best of luck!!!

[tkmothershed 0]

Hi, I just had my procedure last friday, Jan 23rd. I know each persons road differs especially the time it takes but I think you are on the right road. You know your insurance covers the procedure that is half the battle. The next is to find a decent surgeon. Usually they will help you with the other steps like physical exams, blood work, urine, sonogram... your GP should be prepared to write a detailed letter to your weight struggle and all of the options you have tried under their supervision along with medical issues you have (which is a requirement from your insurance). Know there is support and answers if needed. I also looked on YouTube.com for lapbanders that was another good source of information.

All the best!

TKM