fed BCBS ppo does it cover lap band??

Does anyone know if fed BCBS ppo will cover Lap Band ?? and what surgen would you chose?? THanks

Yes it does, just started covering it this year. As far as a surgeon your going to get lots of different answers. I love my doctor, Dr. Keith (Oklahoma Weight Loss Options http://www.owlo.com/ ) in Norman. There are probably good doctors in the Edmond area also. You will need to attend a siminar and meet the doctors to compair them and make up your own mind. I can tell you Dr. Keith and Dr. Nelson (his partner) is a Center of Excellence. Remember it's your body so you need to feel very comfortable with what ever doctor you go with. With BCBS Fed it's very easy to get approval as long as you meet the weight requirements. I believe it's BMI of 40 + without comobidities or 35 with comobidities. Good luck with your weight loss journey. Melissa Lap RNY 01/11/07 319/253/150

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ill start looking NOW... Any other things I should know???

All I can really say is to research research and then research it some more. Go to the Lapband board on here to find out more information about it. The more informed you are the better and the less chance for any surprises. You can also look up some of the doctor's on here, I can tell you Dr. Keith's info isn't correct anymore though. Keep us all posted on your progress! Melissa

Be sure to check out Dr Gournichec with OK Bariatrics. He does alot of lapbands and his patients are very successful. I am scheduled May 10th for my lapband and can hardly wait. Good Luck with your search.

Ok so witch one would you pick and why??? They both look like very good surgens and I think they both are coverd by my ins. so why pick one over the other?? Thanks

My advice is to check them both out and go with the one you feel most comfortable with. I understand that Dr Keith is awesome as well. Some things to keep in mind as you are making your decision is: 1. number of surgeries performed 2. success of his lapband patients 3. convience for follow-up appts (these are a must) 4. hospital used for surgery 5. quailty of support group afterwards These are just a few. Both of the programs have Bariatric Seminars at least once a month. I would suggest that you attend one of them and meet the Docs and ask any questions you might have. Hope this was helpful and good luck with your WLS journey! Tina

I agree with everything Tina said. It really does come down to which doctor/s you feel fits your needs better. Attend the siminars and attend some support groups. You will learn a lot from the support groups. Melissa Lap RNY 01/11/07 219/153/150

Tina, I just wanted to say Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! I'm sure it will be great for you! Keep us posted on how your doing!!! Hugs, Melissa Lap RNY 01/11/07 319/253/150