anybody work for the state?

 Hi! I'm new here, call me Jaede. Just recently hired to work for Mo. State. I was wondering if anyone had any tips about how to navigate their insurance to get approval? Any good dr's in the SW region?

Thanks for you help!

Yup, fellow state employee here!  I had my lap band done by Dr. Edwards at St. Johns here in Springfield.  Six months from my first appointment, I had surgery.  The state requires a six month weight loss attempt within the last year AND a past documented attempt to loose weight and failure.  I had my appt. with Dr. Edwards and started a supervised weight loss program at St. Johns at the same time.  So, I was attending my appointments for Dr. Edwards and the diet at the same time.  Almost exactly six months later I was approved and two weeks after that, I had surgery. 

The office was great to deal with.  We have had a couple of ladies at our office have the surgery and all have good reports of working with the insurance. 

You may have to email me privately and tell me what division you are working for!  Let me know if you have questions. 

Jennifer