Insurance says YES to Bypass, but NO to Lap Band and that's what I want!!

Anyone out there know how to go about changing the insurance company's mind on this? Have done most of the preliminary and REALLY, REALLY am ready for the Lap Band and do "qualify", but then the insurance company says they won't pay for Lap Band!!!! They will only pay for Gastric Bypass. Based on my preferences and personal situation, my doctor and I feel that Lap Band is a better choice for me and yet the insurance says, NO! I am with Federal Blue Cross and Blue Shield and would have thought they would cover it, especially since Medicare approved it in February of this year. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I was so pyched and then feel like I got the rug pulled out from under me when I was sooooo ready to take my life back! Thanks!!! Be Well!!!

Sometimes its possible to switch insurance at the end of the year. A lot of insurance policies won't approve the lap band. If your choice is gastric bypass or no WLS, you may have to reconsider. There are a couple of non-op people who post here who've also had success, although the percentage of people who keep weight off that way long term is lower than for people who have WLS. I'd have a serious talk with my doctor and review the options again. Good luck!

Did your insurance company say why they denied the Lap Band? Chances are, if they approve the RNY, then you have great grounds to appeal the insurance company to get the Lap Band approved. Here is a link to Walter Lindstrom, a banded attorney who has successfully appealed many insurance companies: http://www.obesitylaw.com/ Good luck and keep fighting if you really want it. It took me 2 years to get my band. I was adamant that the Band was the best option for me. It was a long 2 years, but worth every tear I shed. Mercy 428/408/296/180

Hi, Unfortunately a lot of inurance companies do not cover LapBand. I am from Ontario, Canada and am having my surgery out of country in Michigan because of our crazy health insurance (OHIP). They will not cover a LapBand which I could have done in Ontario for approx $15,000 but they will cover me for out of country to have an RNY for $40,000. Good Luck! Lori