Hey Everybody! Need some information.

Just want to say hello and introduce myself to everyone from my home state. I have been hanging out on the Lap Band Forum but have finally found this site. I live in (and my heart is in,) Mississippi, but I had my surgery in Memphis, so the majority of fellow WLS folks that I am acquainted with are from Tennessee. I had hoped to have surgery in Oxford, but since I was self-pay, I had to go to Memphis since the cost there was less than half of the amount I was quoted by the Dr.'s office in Oxford. I only live about an hour's drive from Oxford, but for a savings of $26,000.00, it was simply not an option. I couldn't be happier with my surgeon, but that almost 2 hour drive to my appointments, and support group meetings really seems long sometimes. I have BC/BS of Mississippi insurance, but have a WLS exclusion in my policy. My Dr's office says that BC/BS of Mississippi rarely pays for WLS. Is this true? I have a friend who is trying to get insurance approval now to have the surgery. Do you think she will be successful? Would she have a better chance of insurance approval if she has the surgery in Mississippi? She has Doctors in Oxford, she only wants to have surgery in Memphis because I had it there. Anybody got an information that might help her? Thanks for your help. connie

Hey Connie!! Glad you are with us!!! You need to come and talk with us over here alot!!! You ARE a Mississippi Girl!!!! I don't think BC/BS of MS will do much if anything for WLS. Please come back and post long and often!! Smoochies Arlies

Thank you Arlies....I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone here. connie

Connie, They don't pay. That was one of the first things we were told at my very first seminar. BC/BS of mississippi won't pay for it. A person can always try, knowing they will probably get denied, fight it, hire a lawyer, etc... BC/BS of MS needs to wake up and smell the coffee!!! (with protein of course!) What about Vocational Rehab? I don't know much about it, but several people here have used it. Tell her not to give up! Welcome to the board! HUGS Kimberly

Hello Kimberly, Thanks for the info. I will pass it along to her. Her life really depends on having this surgery. I am just sorry that she didn't consider it before she developed so many health problems. Her PCP hasn't even cleared her for surgery yet. I just hope that her sleep disorder gets better so she can even have the surgery. My fear is that when she sumbits a request to BC/BS, they will drag on and on before either accepting or denying her claim until it will be too late. Please keep her in your prayers. Best Wishes......connie

Hey, everyone. Connie, I am new to this. Here's my story which sounds like it could give you info you are looking for. I live in Houston MS. I have bc/bs. It does not pay!!! I want lap band not bypass. Voc rehab will pay for bypass but in NE MS there is a 2 year waiting period as of 1/2 a month ago. I am seeing Dr. Byars in Oxford. The hospital, Dr. Byars, anes., and the lap band people have set a private pay fee of $14,500 for everything. When I first called it was 30K. The lap band people are financing it for me ( I HOPE) I get the final word in a few days. I am the first to do this with Dr. Byars. The staff there is great!!!!

Hi Babette, She will not be able to have lap-band because of previous surgeries so maybe that will help her chances for payment from either BC/BS or Voc Rehab. I have been told that Voc Rehap only pays for one surgery per month. Is that correct? If so, I am sure that there is a long list of people waiting for help. I am so happy that Oxford has lowered the cost of surgery for self pay. That is $3000.00 cheaper than I paid in Mempnis! My Memphis cost does include all treatment at my surgeon's office for the first year, including all visists, fills, and any follow up surgeries that might be necessary, and that really helps since I am self-pay. Good Luck to you! I certainly hope all works out well for you and that you are as happy with your band as I am! I will be waiting to hear that you have a date!!! Best wishes........connie

Hi, Connie! When I saw a post from Connie B, I had to look twice. My oldest daughter was Connie B prior to her marriage. I just wanted to welcome you. I will be having Lap RNY surgery Monday 9/26 in Oxford. I have BC/BS Federal. It is paying for 90% of my surgery, thank God. Otherwise, I would not have been able to have it. Looking forward to knowing you better, Deborah 284/261/135

Hi Deborah! Believe it or not Connie B. was my name prior to my marriage also. My name now is Connie S. but for some reason, I choose to use the initial that the state put on my drivers license! I am so excited for you! Thank God, indeed, that insurance paid for your surgery! I will be thinking of you next Monday as you have your surgery! If you need any recipes for protein drinks or band friendly foods, let me know, I have tons. Best wishes.........connie

Welcome to the board! I did self-pay also, and I have to say that it is better than any Rolex watch that I could have bought with the money. It was a life investment..... Maybe all the folks that have been turned down by Blue Cross need to file a class action suit for discrimination against the morbidly obese???? There is a lawfirm listed on this site. Seems that a lot of people have been successful with vocational rehab although they have a small quota of persons for surgery, but at least they recognize the problem. Mississippi is the land of the morbidly obese! I guess it is born into our genes, or everyone is just the best cook there is..... I dont know which is true!!!! LOL! Welcome, Post your photo so we will know what you look like!!! Cheryl