OK,  you sound pretty stressed and miserable about your weight, and desperate to do something about it. I understand how you feel because I was in the same situation 5 yrs ago. I was employed by State of GA and at the time they would not cover wls.   I had no $$$ to pay for or finance such an expensive procedure, so I was pretty much out of luc****il they decided to cover wls in 2009.

As far as insurance, any private policy you go out any buy yourself is not gonna cover wls. It is an expensive rider. Many corporate policies you get when you work for a big company don't even cover it because it makes the premiums higher and companies don't want to pay for it.

So, to answer your question ALL insurances cover wls, but only if you pay for the wls coverage.

So...  You can do a few things:

1. Go out of the country. There are forums on here where you can research and find repuitible surgeons that do good work.  

2. Finance with your private credit cards or Care Credit.

3. Get a 2nd mortg on your house.

4. Borrow from family (like who has a rich aunt with an extra $25,000) :-)

5 get a job somewhere that covers wls in their insurance package.  Starbucks covers it in their insurance plan.

 6. Borrow from your 401k.  If you stay fat, you wont live long enough to spend it anyway because you will die from a co-morbid condition or be in a hovaround.   Ever see a fat old person at an amusement park, or strolling around the mall? NOPE because they all either die early or cant get around to enjoy life. Hmmmm?

My DS was $87,000 after I added everything up.  No way could I have ever ever paid this.  RNY is less followed by a vsg.  I would not take a band if it were free :-)

Now, eventhough your insurance may not cover the actual wls procedure, it likely will cover the pre-op visits, testing, lab work, and maybe even the follow up visits.   For example,   I was able to do all 6 mos of pre op dr visits, psych testing, labs, cardio clearance, etc with my insurance before the policy actually started to cover wls.

I know this probably will not give you much hope, but its reality. Sucks huh?

Do try your best to lose it on your own.  Even a few pounds will make you feel better and make you healthier.  WLS is not easy and is not a quick fix.    What diets have you tried in the past?  I highly recommend South Beach.  Get the book at the library or Goodwill or ebay.  

Try logging your food intake on an online journal like dailyplate.com.  You will be surprised how much you are eating! And how little you are moving.

Embrace this time as an opportunity to meet as many wls patients, attend orientation seminars, research, research, research.   I do believe from my personal journey when you have to fight and sacrifice for your wls you appreciate it more.

Can someone tell me how to get started because every time I call Amerigroup including yesterday they say it has never paid in the past and still does not pay.

This past summer, after months of vomiting, and pain whenever I ate, my Dr. discovered my lap ban had slipped nearly 30 degrees, and it would need to be removed.

I was told by my original surgeons office (Dr. Ahad Khan) that Medicare will only pay for ONE weight loss surgery in a lifetime, and there was no point in trying to get a RNY approved. They said they could take my band out, but could not do a revision because Medicare would deny it.

I don't give up that easy! I went to Peachtree Surgical and Bariatrics, (Dr. Larry Hobson) and after jumping through all the usual hoops of pre-op testing, including another psych and nutrition evaluation.

I was approved... 72 HOURS after they submitted my paperwork to Medicare!

Thank you Dr. Khan for the MIS-INFORMATION!

On Nov 5, I had my band removed, and I was revised to RNY.

I had gained back almost 40 pounds in the past year because all I could eat was crumbly or mushy foods. Those types of foods contain a lot of carbs, and carbs are my enemy! Always have been.

Since my surgery on Nov 5, I'm down 30 pounds, back on high protein, low carb...and the best thing is the thought of eating anything sweet makes me physically nauseous. That's a blessing, because I'm a sugar addict!

My goal is to lose 30 more pounds, 20 to get where I was before my band slipped, (130) and 10 more because I know I can!!

120...I'm coming for you!!

Thanks to all of you that sent me best wishes and good vibes..

The surgery and recovery wasn't bad....however...

WARNING: ATLANTA MEDICAL CENTER....THE WORST CARE I've ever received!

If you have any choice of Hospitals DO NOT choose AMC!! I would go HOURS with an EMPTY IV bag, that was beeping loudly, and no one would come. They never once measured my urine output that was neccesary to make sure my kidneys were functioning properly, the mechanical leg compression device would have to be unhooked when I went to the bathroom, was left unhooked for hours, despite my ringing for the nurse..all I got was "someone will be there in a moment". NOT! The biggest concern after surgery is blood clots, that compression device was there for a reason...all I can say is, DON'T GO TO AMC!

All in all, I'm happy I had the band removed, no more pain when eating...I can eat a healthy diet again, as you may know I'm an advocate of Low Carb. Now I'm able to eat lean meats, chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, eggs, cheese and low sugar fruits again. I also eat one small portion of high fiber grains a day (usually at breakfast)

TIP: I buy high fiber, low carb bagels and hot cereal from: www.LOWCARBU.com. The cinnamon raisin bagels are delicious! They're huge, so I only have half, toasted up and spritzed with some "I can't believe its not butter spray". That and a cheese omelette is my favorite breakfast.

What's missing from my diet? SUGAR, SWEETS AND OTHER HIGH CARB FOODS.

Thus, 30 pounds gone, with the rest to follow!

If I had to describe life after my revision to RNY?

Effortless.

I eat the proper foods because I know low carb is a lifestyle, not a diet.

Because of the size of my pouch, I eat  smaller portions.

I walk 30 minutes a day, and do 100 crunches 50 in the AM, 50 in the PM....and the weight comes off.

It's great to be a "LOSER" again!

Thank you all for your support.

I'm not online very often, but I will check in from time to time. If you don't hear from me right away, I'm not snubbing you!! LOL I'm just not here!

Have a great weekend everyone :)