1. Question: Is treatment of obesity with the Lap Band experimental or investigational?

Answer: Treatment of morbid obesity with the Lap-Band is not experimental or investigational. It is a proven and accepted form of surgical treatment for morbid obesity.

The Lap-Band has been used in Europe and Australia for the past 9 years with good results. The Lap-Band was then brought to the United States and used as part of an FDA trial. In June of 2001, after the results of the FDA trial, the FDA approved the Lap-Band for use across the country for treatment of morbid obesity.

2. Question: What is the cost of surgery and care?

Answer: There are several costs to consider when thinking about bariatric surgery. Most costs can be billed to your insurance company. You would then be responsible for deductibles and/or co-pays. For specific information about potential costs to you, please call our office at (586) 737-2810. Each insurance company has different policies about coverage for office visits and procedures.

3. Question: I am sincerely interested in Bariatric surgery for myself. According to the BMI indicator I'm Morbidly Obese. What are the steps to take from here?

Answer: Now that you are interested in bariatric surgery, the next step is educating yourself about the options. I encourage you to thoroughly read you information pages on our web site and visit the “Library” page for links to other helpful web sites.

Next is to determine if you qualify for surgery. A BMI (body mass index) of greater than 40 (or a BMI of greater than 35 with associated health problems) is one criteria used. Recent Australian research has even demonstrated that Lap-Band surgery in people with a BMI between 30 and 35 can prevent the development of associated health problems. Your BMI is determined by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters/squared. We have a calculator on our web site that is programmed to do this calculation for you. You simply need to enter your weight (in lbs) and your height (in feet and inches), and the calculator will do the rest.

Finally, learn about which surgeon and/or program is right for you. Some surgeons, such as Dr. Deol here at MBSCE, require a thorough step by step approach to scheduling surgery. We will evaluate qualifying patients who are between the ages of 19 and 60 and with body weights up to 500 lbs. The process of being approved for surgery involves several doctor appointments in addition to Dr. Deol, and a demonstration on your part to changing your lifestyle.
This demonstration consists of proper nutrition, quitting smoking, and beginning an exercise program prior to surgery.

After you have done the above steps, you are then ready to call the surgeons office and schedule your appointment. It is not necessary to schedule other appointments on your own, these referrals will be given to you at the time of your initial visit.

4. Question: Does this office accept most insurance plans and is there a long waiting list to get this procedure done?

Answer: The following are Insurance companies which typically cover Lap-Band surgery:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (all except Federal Employee Programs).
  Many Out-of-Sate BC/BS companies do not cover Lap-Band.

• United Health Care

• Aetna

• Blue Care Network (however they have their own list of facilities that they require their members to use)

• M-Care

• Some PPOM policies

The following do not cover Lap-Band

• Federal Employee BC/BS

• HAP

• Some PPOM policies

If you do not see your insurance company listed here; or, if you plan to make an appointment for a consultation, please call your insurance company. Ask them if they approve benefits for Lap-Band surgery (procedure/CPT code 43770 and diagnosis/ICD-9 code 278.01). If they do cover the surgery or say that it is dependent on a “medical necessity letter”, ask them what their medical criteria are. Ask them to fax, mail, or e-mail a copy of this policy to you if possible. Lastly, write down the name of the person you spoke with and the time/date you spoke with them.

Unfortunately, we have no control over your insurance company or their policies. In the end, it will be your responsibility to know what your personal policy states and weather or not they will cover your surgery. If you have BC/BS, look closely at your card, make sure it says “Michigan” on the card, and get as much information as you can prior to your appointment. We will happily assist you once you get this initial information. If you find that your insurance company does not cover Lap-Band, or that you do not meet your insurance company's criteria, there are companies who can finance your surgery for as little as $300.00 a month. Our office will be happy to refer you to some of these sources. Please call us anytime at (586) 737-2810.