Should I get my hopes up!???

I just found out from my doctor that I qualify for the LAP surgery...great huh? But the way it sounds there will probably be a battle with the insurance. I spoke to Pacificare and they said that they do not cover it UNLESS my dr. submits a pre-qualification so do they cover it or not? I clarified and asked so if my employer does not cover it will they still cover it if it was medically necessary. She said in most cases yes but again the dr. would have to submit something. I have documented proof of dieting and working out that I will be dropping of to the Dr. on Tuesday. Has anybody worked with Pacificare here in Colorado? What is your expereince? It seems to me it's like Vegas and just hitting the right slot would get me in. I will be sending my first letter on Thursday, how long if accepted should I have to wait? Sorry for all the questions and I'm really excited to be a member here, Thanks. Catherine

are you hoping for the lap rny or the lap band surgery. I 've had the lap rny and I have pasificare of colorado and didn't have any problems being approved at all. I hear the lap band is a whole different thing. . . INS companys don't like to cover that one. Good luck... Korianne

Okay when I spoke to the customer service rep she could not find the Lap band but she did say they covered the lap rny. I didn't know there was a difference and what are some of the different risks involved? Thanks for your reponse, I'm hopeful that I can get approved. Catherine

I also have Pacificare and had surgery on July 22, i was approved within a week because my BMI was over 40. But i had RNY and thats a whole different animal than the band, You probably need to research both procedures and find the one that suites you best. Good Luck. Also it was 2 months before my surgery after approval. Had to do nutrition class etc. etc. and get a date with Dr.Chae that was good for both of us. Debbi

Catherine, I got this book at Borders Bookstore - Gastric Bypass Surgery by author Mary P. McGowan it was $14.95. It is a real easy read. It explained the difference between the different weight loss surgeries and what the risks and benefits of each one is. I found it very helpful and full of a lot of good information. Another book I really enjoyed and was full of everything soneone would need to know if they are going to have weight loss surgery was by Terry Simpson MD FACS, a baraitric surgeon, called A Lighter Look....At A Heavy Subject. Since he himself is a surgeon his information was very detailed and I felt like I was getting the information first hand. I found it online at Amazon.com. Good luck