newbie here...have questions

Hi. I am just begining to research weight loss surgery and was hoping some of you could help me; i have a few questions and don't really know where to begin.

I am considering/researching lap band surgery.

I was wondering how much it cost and was wondering if you you minded sharing your cost with me???  I think I will be paying out of pocket and was trying to get an idea of how much I may need.

I do have insurance with Anthem BCBS, however, i know that weight loss surgery is excluded on my policy.  I was wondering if anyone else had and insurance policy which weight loss surgery was specifically excluded but eventually got approved for it?

I REALLY appreciate anyones feedback.  Thanks so much!!!
Kendra

I have anthem and WLS was excluded.   I could not overcome the exclusion, but my anthem is through Kentucky where there is an automatic exclusion for companies with fewer than 100 employees on the plan.  Exclusions can rarely be overcome, but talk to the insurance company and even your employer and see if you can pay the extra premium to have it included.  Good luck.  I ended up just doing it as a self pay.

Thanks so much for the info.  I don't have the money right now so I haven't tried contacting the insurance company, my employer or a surgeon.  I just want to do some research and get the preliminary's before I did all that.  I really do appreciate your help!
Congrats on your weight loss so far!  I hope all is well and you are feeling better by the day!
Kendra

hello
I have had the vertical sleeve done 9/5/08. My insurance co would not pay either.

GOOD BOOK - WLS FOR DUMMIES!  IT EVEN GIVES YOU A SAMPLE LETTER
FOR APPEAL WITH YOU INSURANCE CO.  THE BOOK HAS A LOT OF INFORMATION.

The clinic where I go the BAND and the VERTICAL SLEEVE are priced to
be the same as each other.  starts @13,600 up to 18,650 this covered you
for a yr with the surgeon and 18 months with the hospital.  This price did not include my pre-op work up.  I ended up in the higher category due to the number of surgeries I already had and my health issues.  I went BACK
in the hospital due to dehydration -caused by my health issues I had
before surgery.  And this 2nd stay was totally covered by what I had already paid.  I researched for 6yrs and saved along the way. 
                        I wasn't sure any doc would deal with me because
                        of my health issues -  But I found a good one and
                        his clinic personal are wonderful.

STAY POSITIVE AND STAY FOCUS.  (ALTO OF CLINICS WILL HELP YOU
WITH FINANCES - HELPING YOU GET A LOAN, SO DON'T FORGET TO
ASK THEM ABOUT IT.) 
BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE EVERY THING GOES GREAT FOR YOU.
PAM