How the hell did everyone get VSG approved?

LOL.... I'm seeing so many of you talk about being approved or have had the surgery... are the insurance companies considering this surgery "medically neccessary" these days?  I ask because I was deadset on getting VSG in 2009 - lost 2 appeals and 1 independent state review.  They all said the procedure was "investigational". 

Just curious.

I am JEALOUS!!!!!!!

My insurance covers WLS.  They added VSG to the coverage in 2012. 

From what I've seen, the status of VSG in the eyes of the medical community has changed recently from being "investigational" to a viable alternative to Gastric Bypass.  My insurance covered with no problems.

I was approved the first time as well. I needed 6 months of diet and exercise routine with my physician, a psychiatric eval, and to take a 5 hour nutrition class. I have Medicaid.

My insurance covers it, as long as comorbs are present and BMI is greater than 35.  I had pretty much ALL the comorbidities, and my BMI at the time of surgery was 68.

I think you should definitely  try again.  It has been almost 5 years and it is not considered "investigational" by most now.  Good luck.

since Medicaid started covering it most insurance companies cover it , if you get insurance thru a job it may be your bosses decision  if they cover it 

Medicaid started covering it in 2012

My surgeon said he performs 90% VSG at this point, refuses lap band and needs a real good reason for RNY. He said VSG is going to be the new gold standard in WLS very soon.

I was also approved on the first pass with the insurance company.  I would try again and see if the bureaucracy is a little more cooperative this time.

Best of luck! :)

my insurance would not cover any wls, period, so I had to pay for the surgery. will be paying off my CC for a few yeas, but worth it. I found a program I could afford and self pay is a lot less than they charge insurance companies.