lap band

Has anyone here had the lap band done? I've been reading various postings and it seems that everything is about the gastric by pass procedure? Is this my imagination or no? Also, what has anyone encountered about an insurance company saying that six months of doctor monitored diets be documented? I've been overweight for 26 years but never had a doc monitored diet. Is there anything anyone recommends to send to the insurance in case they deny me? All my paperwork should be faxed to the insurance today and I'm just trying to prepare myself for possible denial. The diet is the only thing I could think of that they would deny me for.

Anna, I think it all depends on your insurance company. I'm with Anthem - they didn't require a 6-month supervised diet. They accepted my word that I've done WW, South Beach, etc. for years without success. My PCP also sent a letter that stated pretty much the same thing. I also had co-morbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol) that I'm sure helped in the approval process. Good luck! Bren

Brenda, Thanks for getting back to me. I'm hoping they will take into consideration all the medical problems I have and just say "ok". I keep hoping and will pray that it happens. How much have you lost on the band? Since when? Any problems experienced? Anna

Hi Anna, I've had the lapband done. I will be on year out come Aug 31st of this year. To date I have lost 92 lbs from my surgery weight and 142 lbs from my highest weight. OH.com does have a lapband forum, a great place to meet other bandsters and find band related issues/questions/topics. As for the insurance issue about the monitoring diet - it's up to your insurances discretion. I had Medicare and Indiana State Medicaid. I called up the CSR and ask exactly what did they want "wording" wise for the documentation to state in order for quicker approval. Luckily for me I was told they would take brief statements on visits where the doctor noted my weight and noted that he advised me to seek/do a low car or whatever diet. So my advice would be to call your insurance company and ask them specifically the wording or documentation they would need in order to approve you. Good Luck Jodi

Jodi, thanks for answering. I'm hoping that things go quickly and I'm approved the first time attempted. My husband is going for the gastric by pass. I'm thinking he'll get approved due to all of his medical concerns (insulin dependent diabetic among them). I'll pray and pray and pray that its a quick acceptance. Classes that he and I have to take (him four, me one) start in about a week and a half so it would be great if we're able to take them then (after an ok from the insurance!). Anna