Anthem Blue Cross/Shield---Exclusion?

I am trying to get approved for the lapband through my insurance. Evidently, I have an exclusion for the lapband code - they'll approve RNY surgery, but not lapband. Has anyone else been able to overturn this type of decision? Am I doomed to self pay? If my insurance includes one kind of surgery, can I fight for the other? I gave the insurance company the code for lapband, and they said there is an exclusion on it. The woman I spoke to said it wouldn't be approved. Your ideas/thoughts are most welcome...

May I ask why you are opposed to just having the RNY if that is what they will pay for? The benefits of rny are once your done your done, you dont ever have to go back for a fill. you can have an rny done laproscopically, you dont have to have open. you dont have to have fills. you loose weight faster. have you considered doing the rny? I realize each decision is personal, but was just wondering what why you had chosen lapband over the other even though its what they will pay for. L

Hi Amy I have blue cross/blue shield and they too told me at first that it's more difficult for them to approve the lapband and that they would pay the gastric so I didn't gave it any thought I was prepared for either one the first one that they will pay as long that I didn't have to pay and you know what? I had the gastric bypass and don't regret it for a minute. It's been 7 months and I'm already down 90 lbs. so how great is that and most important I follow all the doctors orders and my nutrition and exercise is on top of the list and thanks god I feel fine and look fine too!!! I was a size 24-26 and now I'm 16-18. So give it a thought I mean it's up to you to decide but ask your doctor more info. about it. Good luck and I hope to see you soon on the losers side. Millie