How to Finance the Allergan Lap Band

Laparoscopic gastric banding is a surgical procedure developed by Allergan to assist with weight loss. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the agency approved the LAP-BAND procedure in 2001 as the first adjustable, surgically implanted device used to help people lose weight. The silicone band fits around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch that holds a small amount of food. The smaller pouch fills up faster than a normal stomach, resulting in a feeling of fullness and decreased appetite. You can find resources to help finance your operation if you are considering LAP-BAND surgery.

Things You'll Need

• Medical history file
• Current medication list
• Letter of medical necessity
• List of medical conditions
• Insurance policy
• List of expenses

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Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with a certified gastric surgeon approved to perform LAP-BAND surgery. Give the gastric specialist a copy of your medical file, a list of your current medications and a thorough family medical history. Request a Letter of Medical Necessity to provide documentation that supports your need for weight-loss surgery to improve your health.

• 2

  Obtain a written list of the expenses for LAP-BAND surgery from the facility where you plan to have the procedure. Many gastric surgery centers have a financial adviser available to help with this step. Ask the adviser for a list of LAP-BAND financing companies the center has an agreement with that may be available to you.

• 3

  Check your health insurance policy to see if it covers weight-loss or bariatric surgery. Look carefully under each section for key words such as weight control, bariatric surgery or obesity reduction. If you do not have a copy of your medical insurance benefits, contact the human resources department where you are employed to request a copy.

• 4

  Contact your local Medicare or Medicaid office if you have this kind of federal insurance. According to the LAP-BAND AP System website, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a National Coverage Determination to include bariatric surgery and the LAP-BAND procedure when performed by approved surgeons at a bariatric "Center of Excellence" facility. You can visit the CMS website for a list of physicians and facilities awarded with "Center of Excellence" status and approved to perform LAP-BAND surgeries.

• 5

  Provide your insurance company with any pre-authorization information they may require for LAP-BAND surgery coverage. Most insurance companies require pre-authorization forms for weight-loss procedures, such as a Letter of Medical Necessity, copies of your medical folder and a list of any weight-related medical conditions for which you are being treated. If you are approved for LAP-BAND surgery, contact the gastric surgeon you have chosen and request an appointment to begin preparation for the surgery.

• 6

  Contact your bank to see if they offer flexible spending accounts for medical services. Many banks offer high-interest savings accounts to provide funds for medical expenses. Deposit money into this account until you have a sizable contribution toward your surgery then contact your LAP-BAND surgeon to negotiate a decrease in cost due to self-payment status or payment in cash.