Augusta has a wonderful surgeon, Michael Blaney.  He uses Trinty Hospital (St. Joseph's).  They have a great program, Trinity Bariatric and Weight Loss Center.

Thank you for the information.  I called my insurance company and asked about coverage for "Bariatric surgery due to medical necessity", which is what my doctor's office told me to ask, and it was covered 100%, BUT I did not specify which type!!!  :-(   I hope I haven't done all of this for nothing!  SURELY my doctor's offiice wouldn't have followed through if they knew for sure BCSC was not going to pay????  Are you doing well after your bypass?  Any regrets?   Thanks again!

Lesley,
  Albert and I wanted to thank you and Eddie for having us at your house we had a GREAT TIME.....
We wil have to get together.. soon
                                                sharona

I had BCBS, they sent paper work on a Mon and by Wed it was approved, that was for bypass not lap band. I have heard that they will not pay for lap band, don't know if that is true or not. Best of luck to you. My advice to you is do your homework, research every detail, there is no turning back once it's done. Be absolutely sure that this is what needs to be done. I had no idea it would be this hard.

I had BCBS of NC and they paid 100% for the RNY gastric bypass but I don't think they covered the lapband at that time. My husband had BCBS of SC and they wouldn't cover either one, but like it has been said on here before, it all depends on what the company you have the insurance through has included in their particular policy, every company is different. Best thing to do is read your insurance manual if you have one or call the insurance company yourself and see what coverage you have. For the most part the doctors office usually knows which one will pay and which one won't. I had heard on the news a couple of weeks ago that a bill was passed in DC that insurance companies can no longer refuse to pay for weight loss surgery, but not sure what is being done with that since it is new and probably isn't in effect yet. Good luck with this and hopefully it will work out for you.
Take Care!
Mary