Question:
Anyone ever changed their mind about what type of WLS to have after Ins. contacted?

I have already picked my surgeon and WLS procedure. I've gone to my first consultation and my surgeon has been working with my insurance company for a month. What if I want to change from an Open RNY to a Laproscopic procedure and my surgeon does not do that type of surgery? Do I have to start all over again and if my insurance company approves my Open RNY, how likely is it that they will approve Laproscopic surgery? Will I have to start from the beginning?    — Tiffany B. (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 22, 2002
Yes! I changed from RNY, after approval from Insurance and consult with surgeon and all.....I changed surgeons and changed to Open VBG - no problem - Insurance company approved it instantly - (and now - 11 months later, I am down from 340lbs to 197lbs!! - had an abdominoplasty last Thursday - life is SOOOOO good!!)
   — Cathy J.

May 23, 2002
First contact your insurance company to find out if they do cover the lap procedure. If they do you should not have a problem at all. I had the exact same thing happen. I had been approved by the insurance through my first surgeon changed my mind because he was not as experienced in doing lap and changed surgeons. The new surgeons office does have to submit their paperwork, but is usually a matter of a pretty quick approval in that they just transfer the paperwork to the new surgeon. Good luck!
   — Joanie J.