Hello All. New Member Here.

Hello to all.  I have joined here to gather information and support.  I will be attending the seminar on Monday (7/9).  That I believe is the overall first step.  After that will be the first consultation with the doctor. One question, does anyone have experience with United Healthcare and any hints to ensure an easy/simple time in getting their approval for this surgery. Not sure if this is a logical reason or not, but I am looking at going the Lap-Band route because the GB route just scares the pants off of me. Hope to learn a lot from you all. KRE

Welcome....check you insurance, I have heard that many will not cover lap-band.  Not sure why.  Good luck Gayle

Hello, and welcome! I have UHC and had no problems with my approval.  I hope you have the same experience. I was told that some insurance company's won't cover the lap-Band because they still consider it to 'new'.  I don't know if that's the case. Research a little more about GB.  You may find it is the way to go. Good luck, Crystal

Not sure on the insurance, but I wanted to say Hi and welcome to the board!  Good luck on your journey!  It is a very personal choice as to which way to go.  I thought that I would go with the LB, but after all the research, and talking with the surgeon and my pcp, I went with the rny. Good luck!

Hi and welcome! I don't know about your actual insurance, but I do believe that most insurances will cover the lap band if they cover the bypass.  It is not experimental anymore.   Good luck at your seminar and hope you learn alot.  I love my band and couldn't be happier with my choice.

Chrissy

Thanks for the welcome ladies. Wife called UHC today to find out about coverage.  Bottom line is they do not cover WLS.  However they do have a "appeal" process where we have to send a letter from my doctor.  I am sure that all this is going to be covered when I go to the seminar.  In the mean time my wife called the doctor's office and asked for a letter to be faxed to us.  At least get this part going.  I am sure there is a lot more paperwork coming. KRE

Did they tell her it wasn't covered at all??? Ask if it is covered if deemed medically nesseary? Some insurance companys won't come out and tell you.Hope that helps. Amy