Just Getting Started

heidisue · 01-26-2008, 11:28 AM

Hi! I'm new to this site! I'm just now getting started on the whole lap band procedure. I'm type 1 diabetic & currently wear an insulin pump. I'm at least 100 lbs overweight & my endocrinologist said yesterday (1/25/08) that I meet the criteria for the surgery. I'm scheduled to attend a required seminar with the surgeon that my endocrinologist recommends on 2/11/08. I guess my question is this - is this going to be a "nightmare" to get covered? We currently having United Healthcare & fortunately it is a very good insurance policy, but I can't find anything regarding bariatric surgery. However, I did find that "liquid diets" for the treatment of obesity ARE NOT COVERED, so I'm afraid of what the answer to the surgery will be. Is there anyone out there who is also a type 1 diabetic that has had the surgery? If so, I would love to hear from you! Any advice at all on what to expect would be greatly appreciated!

GayleTX · 01-26-2008, 03:06 PM

We were told at two different seminars that United is the most cooperative ins. co. there is as far as bariatric surgery. As far as liquid diets, it's probably referrring to the doctor-sponsored weight loss programs such as Medi-fast. If I were in charge of an ins. co. I would not pay for them either....they are always temporary.

You may have heard all the reports on the news lately regarding bariatric surgery 'curing' diabetes...the reports have been somewhat misleading. The surgery is extremely effective in putting Type 2 diabetes in remission but not the Type 1 - but the weight loss and the strict diet will no doubt help the diabetes as well as any other co-morbidities you may have.

Best wishes to you.......

faithmd · 01-26-2008, 03:10 PM

Call your insurance company with your card in hand and ask them yourself of they cover adjustable gastric banding on YOUR POLICY.

Then ask them to send you a copy of the requirements.

Good luck!!!