new to the process

Hi! I'm new to all this, so I need some help.  My BMI is 47 and I'm healthy--no health problems to speak of But my insurance company said they do not pay for weight loss surgery of any kind.  I am thinking about paying for the procedure myself.  Should I fight the insurance company?  Is it worth it?  also how much does it cost?  can I have the lap band procedure with such a high bmi.  I am considering going to Dr. Bour,  what do you guys think? 
I need help with this,  thank you!!!!

fran

Fran  Dr Bour is my dr and he is wonderful.   My BMI was 54.9 when I started and now it's 23.4.  I had a RNY and I felt like it was the best option for me..  I would try to see if I could appeal the decision of the insurance.  Usually the Dr office will help you.  I'm not sure how much it cost, but I'm sure there are quite a few people who have paid for their's.   Call Lacy at Dr Bour's she can give you an idea of what you are in for....

thank you so much for responding,  I talked with lacey and will attend a seminar in 2 weeks. She totold me that since my bmi is 47 I should be accepted with medical necessity.  Like I told Lacey, I exercise everyday but the pounds wont drop.  I lose a few and gain a few and this has been going on for 15 years.  I want the weight off. I will stll exercise because I enjoy it.  I dont want to be skinny 150 lbs would be fine with me.

My insurance did not covered any WLS. I had to pay cash.  Dr Bour is my doc. the center is wonderful so I do recomend them.   
If your insurance have exclusions they probably will not pay no matter how much you fight it.  

Sorry.  

Hi
I had to be self pay because my insurance had an exclusion.  I had a VSG with Dr Strickland in Columbia. 

I also went to a seminar with Dr Bour and liked him but his fees were more than I could comfortably pay. 

After I went to Dr Strickland for the band  I discovered the VSG and decided it was a better option for me.  I love my sleeve and have lost over 90 lbs.

Good luck on your journey.

Hugs

Rita