lapband-use the phrase in insurance letter or not?

I am in the process of trying to get approval from my insurance for the lapband surgery. I have been told by my surgeon that RNY is easy to get from Healthlink, but they won't approve the lapband very easily. I talked with someone *****cently had the lapband and was approved on the first try (different insurer) she used the code for "bariatric surgery other than VGB" and never said the phrase "lapband" or "adjustable gastric banding", she just used the term "weight loss surgery" in her letter. Does anyone else have experience doing this? I was trying to make a case for the lapband in my letter to the insurance, now I'm starting to rethink that and maybe do what she did. I would love to get some second opinions on this, please email me! Thanks, Sharon [email protected]

I had the gastric bypass a year ago, but i originally wanted to get the lap band. My insurance denied it because they said it wasn't a "cure" for obesity. Once i told them that i was willing to have the bypass, instead of the lap band, they approved me the same day. In my humble opinion, I'm super happy that i had the bypass instead of the lapband. I know of several people that have had it done and are unhappy because they haven't lost sufficient weight and you can see the port... so please consider the bypass instead. Good luck and if you just need anyone to chat with, email me at [email protected].