Just began looking at LB...is it hard to get thru insur? Does it work?

Hi.I have just begun to consider lap band.Is it difficult to get thru the insurances? I have AHS state insurance thru the schools.I havent even begun to look into it yet. Is the surgery pretty successful? And how much does it hurt? I had a breast reduction 5 yrs ago and it was worth it. I have done a minimal amount of research at this point....isn't the surgery running about $12,000 w/out insur? And what constitutes medical necessity? I know,ask the doctor and consult the insurance. Well,I am happy for those who have had a positive result with the surgery.I know several people who have done well,but they are somewhat embarrassed about it and wont talk. So....any info appreciated!! Vickie from Greene County,Ms Email:[email protected]

I am not familiar with lap band that much. I had gastric bypass. Medical necessity is like----do you have diabetes, sleep apnea, aching joints, trouble walking, breathing prblems, high blood pressure. As for as breast reduction they say plastic surgery is much more painful than the weight loss surgery. I have heard that many times. Hope this helped some. Jane from Pearl River County!! Blueberry Jubilee town!

I had RNY also, so I don't know a whole lot about lap banding, but the "normal" requirements for weight loss surgery is BMI greater than 40 or BMI greater than 35 with comorbidities such as high BP, diabetes, etc. There is a lap band forum that you can go to and post questions and you will get more responses because they know what you are asking!!!! But I am very glad you came and posted with us and hope to see you again! There is also a support group meeting in Hattiesburg that meets once a month and someone always posts the info before the meeting as to the where and what time and date. Welcome to the board and come back often and post LOTS!!! Smoochies Arlies

If you have insurance w/public school systems --- I have bad news. They have a strict "no weight loss procedures" clause in the handbook. I appealed 3 times. No luck.. Lap band is cheaper than RNY but more than you posted. I know someone who had it. Her weight is coming off very very slowly. Alot of the decision on which kind of WLS surgery to have depends on your current wt and health. Check w/ drs. in Mobile and the coast, or Hattiesburg. Call their offices. Go to seminars. It ain't cheap for any hospital procedure. Explore all methods of payment. I had one Doctor *****fused to take my case-- cash up front. (I am not rich--- but was willing to take a loan to make it happen) Keep in touch on the board we are "good people"