United Health Care PPO - how's the process?

Hi all: Ok, I'm not psycho, so much as a moron . I was under the impression that my insurance coverage that kicks in 1/1/05 would be Pacific Care HMO, it turns out it is actually United Health Care PPO. Which I think is even better.... anyhow, I'm wondering if anyone out there has any experience seeking approval for wls with United Health Care & more specifically - if a lap ds is covered? Much appreciated, Carmen P.S. - I'm 30 yrs old, 5'4, 250 lbs, bmi is 43. No major health issues besides weak knees, ankles, chronic back pain & depression (been on meds for over 2 years now).

Hi Carmen, I am 32 years old, 5'4" and 250 with the same BMI. I have UHC PPO and I was just approved for Gastric Bypass on 11/23/04. It took about 1 week for the approval. I found them to be absolutely wonderful. I was able to call and see how the process was going and they were very friendly. Unfortunately, I am unsure about Lap Band. My husband actually works for UHC and I know that starting Jan 1, that they have decided to exclude the surgery. However, it is the employer who decides whether they want to write an exclusion for WLS. So, if the employer that you work for doesn't exclude it, then you should be fine. I have just about the same co-morbidities as you except the depression. I do have diabetes, I was just diagnosed with that. You should contact the insurance co and find out if the surgery will be excluded.. I wish you luck, I know that the insurance approval was what made me worry the worst!! My surgery date is 12/27/04...I am getting a little scared now. GOODLUCK!! Shannon