Question:
Anyone Denied Approval for Lap Band Due to Depression-Anxiety?

On August 28, 2004 I received letter from insurance company denying approval for lap band surgery due to psych evaluation results stating I'm experiencing depression and anxiety. My PCP has just diagnoised me with the same thing prior to getting the results from psych evaluation. I new I was experiencing something but unaware it was depression. So I'm working with my doctor to take care of this situation and probably will be taking meds. I went through depression about four years ago when my mom was diagnoised with cancer and passed away. I got through it but now it's something else. So I'm just going to take care of this problem I have with depression and try again to get the surgery later.    — Johanna W. (posted on August 30, 2004)

August 30, 2004
Well I cant speak for the specifics of your case, but the psych Doc who approves all of my surgeons patients says depression is normal for MOs. He says his goal is to see everyones depression is medicated or under control before surgery and keep them medicated even immediately after surgery. Many MOs depression leaves as the weight goes away, those appear to have self image issues. Mine went largely away:) However fiancial concerns can make it rear its ugly head:(
   — bob-haller