Question:
How difficult will it be for me to get approved with my insurance...?

I am 20 years old and weigh 500+ pounds....i have high blood presure, sleep apnea, feet and ankle swelling, back pain, knee pain...etc can anyone tell me if it is gonna a fight to get my insurance (Retail Clerks) to approve me for WLS? thanks!    — EvningStar81 (posted on April 11, 2002)

April 11, 2002
Hi, Well if we went by your weight and your health I would say definately. The finally answer always lies with your insurance company though. Sometimes there are exclusions in the policy that clearly state that this type of surgery would not be covered. Now if you're denied, you can always try to appeal. And if that doesn't work maybe you can get a loan or someone to front you the money. Just be encouraged and if you believe in God, pray for a break-through...it worked for me.
   — Monique N.

April 12, 2002
My experience has been a clear welcome to insurance hell. Every ins. company has there own policy but more and more companies seem to be covering WLS. I can tell you that it is no easy process. Most companies require extensive studies like sleep tests, physc evaluations, blood tests, and even exercise tests. It gets frustrating and you have to keep in mind that ins. companies are not eagar to fork over $20,000. So from my (and friends) experience I can tell you that it is often a long process. I've been at this for 6 months and am just now getting somewhere. Now, don't let me discourage you because there are many people that get approved in just weeks. Like I said it all depends on the company. The ins. page on this site is wonderful. Just go to your state and look for others who have been approved (or not approved)through your ins. company. That will give you a better picture of what you have to do. Just dont give up. It's going to be worth your effort. And if all else fails, look at it this way: People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars buying a home. You live in your body all the time and can't just leave it to move or go on vacation. It you have to pay yourself, isn't it worth investing just 20 grand to avoid repairs later? Don't give up. Good Luck!
   — Sarah K.

April 12, 2002
If you haven't already done so, just call the cust. service number and ask. If they tell you it isn't covered, then you are probably dealing with an exclusion placed by your employer (to avoid paying more on their premiums.) Anyway, get the ball rolling by simply asking...if you are told it's not covered, then you'll have to look at other avenues, such as assistance from a lawyer, going thru Medicade, etc. I am praying for you!
   — rebeccamayhew

April 12, 2002
3 people from your state have been denied with your insurance... I would go to the state's insurance page and email the three to find out why they were denied so you'll have a fighting chance of not running into the same problem. Good luck on your journey! Every day you fight insurance is worth the tears if you get what you need!
   — Elizabeth D.