Question:
if you've been diagnosed is it easier or harder to get coverage??

I have read posts that if you have depression as a symptom it will help in getting the nod for the surgery. Then I have read where people were diagnosed with depression and were denied because of it. How do the insurance companies view this?? I am really confused about this. What is it that the surgeons are looking for when they do the psych test?    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 2, 2000)

February 2, 2000
I think( and remember I am NOT a professional)-that they are looking first for severe depression. You need to have a good attitude towards the surgery and need to realize that it is not a cure-all for all of your problems. The depression that you feel should be from the burden of your weight, not other sources. You need to be able to commit to the program the surgery is just the begining. There will be a lot of hard work to follow. The operation will change your life in many ways but you will need to be able to take charge of it. I also believe that they want to make sure that the reason you are doing this is for yourself. It important that no-one is doing this to just please others. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck.--Tasey
   — tasey B.