multiple newbie questions

I am hoping to have the Lap Band placed. Need some help from veterans. 1. Has anybody had BC/BS and gotten approval without a hassle? 2. My chosen surgeon is out of State. How have others managed the post op care with out of state Docs? 3. What is the post op recovery like with the Lap Band? Thanks to all.

Hey M W I am not sure about the Lap Band.....but I heard that BCBS will not cover it because it is considered "experimental" ? Maybe I am wrong and some one can clarify that cause I would like to know the answer to that question for myself cause a co-worker wants to have it done. Anyone have any ideas? Becky

Hey MW, My mom had the lap band done on May 7th. Her surgeon is in Zephyrhills. He and his partner usually do the surgery on a Friday and most people can resume work on Monday. With the limitations of not lifting more than eight pounds. By the time my mom reached the one month mark she had lost fifty pounds and this was with out the fill. She's not getting her first fill until August. However from what I understand they usually do the fills about 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Karee

Hey, don't know about LB but got very quick approval, with the help of Dr. Jawad's staff, from BC/BS for RNY. Good luck, Joy

hi and welcome to the boards!!! 1. please dont forget that after 1/1/2005 bcbs will no longer be covering WLS... but im not sure if thy will or will not cover it now... call the person at the center that deals with insurance issues and that person will be able to tell you... 2. since my sugern in in state ( 5 mins away) i dont know.... BUT we do have people who have the sugern on a whole diffrent side of the state... i guess it works out ok 3. im not sure about the recovery... but best of luck you will do great