Hi everyone

I am a registered nurse who is 37 years old and have been overweight all my life. I have 3 children, 9, 7, and 8 months. I am pursuing a lap band procedure with Dr. Barba at Saint Francis. I have already obtained pulmonary consult, psych consult and have an appointment with nutritionist at the end of this month. I am getting a little nervous, apparently Anthem Bluecare denies initially and then usually accepts on appeal. I also have Crohn's disease (remission for >10years) and am concerned that may be a factor. I spoke to Dr. Barba about it and he stated he would probably recommend the band surgery as it is reversible. Does anyone have experience with this?

Jennifer: Welcome. I have Anthem BlueCare also. I was told I should have no problem getting approved. I would double check if they cover the band. I was told my policy did not. You can get a whole lot of info regarding the band on the band forum. Best of luck to you. Chryssie

Hi Jennifer, Welcome! I have Anthem too, and I was just approval for lap RNY. The policy I have doesn't approve the lap band. Check with your doctor's office, they should know what insurance covers it. Good Luck JA

Hi Jennifer and Welcome! I also have the same insurance and they would only cover open RNY. I remember reading that this surgery keeps people with Crohn's in total remission. It seems to cure a lot of chronic illnesses like Diabetes and high blood pressure. But he's the expert. I hope you continue coming to the boards, you'll get lots of support here. Cheryl

Hi Jennifer, Welcome to the CT Boards. Great bunch of folks here as you probably already can tell!! Please feel free to stop by and chat with us any time. We love to have new people join in and become part of our little family. From what I have read and heard, I don't think that your Crohn's disease will be a factor in terms of your being denied. If anything it is a co-morbidity that will help you get approval. The Lap Band however is another story all together. My understanding is that Anthem (all policies) is no longer covering the band procedure. It will cover the open and the LAP RNY. Perhaps your physician's office knows differently however. Please check with them and with Anthem before making any specific decisions. I would also go to the library on this site and look up Crohn's and see what other folks have experienced who have the disease. You could always post your own question too. Good luck in your endeavor!! Keep us posted and don't be a stranger Linda

Hi Jennifer I just wanted to say welcome! I don't know anything about what Anthem approves, but you've received some good advice so far. Best wishes to you. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

Hi there! Welcome to the CT boards!!! We're glad to have you. I don't have the same insurance as you, but I would say that it is fairly common for insurance to not approve lap banding. My advice to you is to visit with more than one surgeon to get their opinions about what surgery is best for you, before you make any decisions and move forward. This decision is going to dramatically change the rest og your life, so, best to make the most informed decision you can! Good luck to you! Lisa C