I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes or any other problems. I do have a knee problem and back problems like you and that is what I stated. Keep that letter that your physical therapist wrote. That will help with your letter the doctors office will write you. Talk to Intermountain Agency off Overland Rd. Talk to Barbara Stott and tell her you want the BC of Idaho plan. You want the PPO plan. You can also go to their website by doing a search for Blue Cross of Idaho and look at their different plans available. This does not exclude WLS surgery unless their is a medical neccessity. The doctors office will write up a letter for you stating it is a medical necc. They will also include that letter from your physical therapist. You will want to start the process with the agency first to obtain a new individual policy. Once the policy has been approved you have 30 days to cancel your insurance from your current employer. Once that is done then your new policy will take affect without any laps in time. From that point you can make an appointment with a surgeon such as Dr. Oakley or Dr Valentine depending on where you live. I used Dr. Oakley. They will have a consult with you. Talk with you about what surgery is best for you. And then start the process from there. The secretary that works with insurance is very good and knows how to get around the hoops with those insurance companies that usually deny the surgery. Like I said I was approved in five days. Its all a very simple process. Dont listen to everyone and dont tell them your thinking about WLS Surgery. Just obtain it for your own good. You can view any policy exclusions before you sign the final approval to know if there is any exclusions. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I am so thankful for all the messages that I have received. I am getting a little calmer now, thanks to all my friends here in this sight. My husband will be with me, but I appreciate the offer T. We will be staying at the Bishop Foote House in Boise for a week as Dr. Oakley wants me close incase anything happens. Thank you for all the good advice about food. I thought I'd be on just broth (which I hate) for a week but to find out I can have other things....Woopie! I will keep you all posted and again, thank you for your support. Sue

Go to Christian Oakley by St Lukes downtown. He is in network for Aetna and he also does all kinds of procedures. Good luck with your search.

I had my surgery over 2yrs ago. I have not been to many support meetings. I need to get started again. We moved to Star about 9 mos. ago, and I don't know my way around Boise very well. Would anyone know of a support group meeting out west of Boise?

actually his name is Dr. Robert Cahn. he is a great guy and i am hoping that he becomes in network so that my insurance will cover majority of the lapband surgery. his number is208/706-5285. I hope this helps you!