inurance approval

Who is your provider?...I have Aetna and I have heard it's really hard to get them to cover wls. I really want to get this surgery done ASAP.

I have Horizon BCBS FEP NJ and WLS is covered. 

You're so lucky...Everyone I meet seems to have BCBS and their surgeries get covered very quickly and easily. Aetna does cover WLS but they don't make it very easy. Who are you planning to use to do your surgery?

I too have Aetna and keep hearing horror stories of them not covering the LapBand. I am not interested in any of the bypass surgeries so I hope they dont give me a hard time. I am 100 lbs overweight and have ALL the co-morbidities, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, just to name a few.....sigh.......

From what I've been told, I don't believe Aetna generally covers the lapband at all. I am also 100 lbs. overweight and am seeking to have the gastric bypass done. Unfortunately I am a very healthy fat person with no co-morbidities (except for acid reflux) so I think I am going to be in for a fight to get it done. Wish me luck.

I'm using Dr. Borao for my bypass surgery.  I'm 125 lbs overweight and also have acid reflux.  For the most part I'm healthy but all this weight is really dragging me down and causing severe fatigue.  But I'm also going for a sleep study to see if this could be the cause for the fatigue.   I'll see if I can find info on Aetna and covering lapband for you. 

Actually, I am looking to have the gastric bypass surgery. The doctor I am using thinks it's the better choice for me. Thank goodness because I am almost positive that the lapband would not be covered. I'm still worried about having the bypass covered. I think I will eventually, but I really don't want to wait 6 more months to have this done. I tried to do this about 3 years ago and I couldn't get it covered and I gave up. This time I'm not giving up no matter what (even if I have to pay out of pocket for it).

I understand your frustration.  I've been checking into this surgery since 2003.  Actually went to a surgeon (not Dr. Borao) and had my paperwork lost twice!  So I gave up.  I would think most insurance companies would cover bypass especially for those of us who are morbidly obese. I'm not looking forward to this 6 month waiting period but I've started the countdown.  It will go by real fast.   Just hang in there, you're not alone!!

You would think ins co would rather pay for a lap band instead of the bypass since it costs so much less....  who can figure them out?    I'm still waiting for approval, letter was just sent.  I have a tentative date of July 6th for surgery.   Keeping my fingers crossed for smooth sailing.  Good Luck,   Lo   ( Qualcare NJ )

I LOVE your icon!!!!  July 6th is right around the corner.  Did you have to do the 6 month wait?