lisabug

I am doing the aetna thing also. Just finished my 3 month multi discipline. I was told it could take up to 30 days, but usually you hear back in 7-10 days. My surgeon said that I could schedule surgery within a few weeks, but I am waiting to after the first of the year for financial reasons. I want to put all the co pays in my fsa so that I don't have to worry about the deductible and the 20% out of pocket. Good luck!!

Testing wise I had to do pulmonary eval and psych eval. I have to do bloodwork 10 days before surgery. Every dr is different on just about everything from testing, pre op diet and post op diet. I keep telling myself to be patient and what is meant to be is meant to be. At first I was so scared of denial now I am ok with that it is everything else. The emotional attachment to food and my pepsi are the hardest for me. I am scared that I am going to miss food and the satisfaction of it. This is definitely an emotional journey, but I am ready to be healthy and have more energy and liking the person I see in the mirror.

I am in the approval process with my insurance right now. As for the surgery date, it depends if you are going through insurance or are self pay. I just finished all of my testing and the 3 month multi discipline needed for aetna on Monday. My surgeon's office said that it takes about a week for them to file then up to 30 days to get a response from the insurance company. I was told to expect to take off 2 weeks after my surgery. The emotions change daily for me. Nervous, excited and even a little overwhelmed at times. This forum is the best thing in the world for us newbies. Good luck!!!

I did more research on the health care reform. We are at least safe for next year. I am just waiting on my updates on benefits on oct 20. I don't think that it will be dropped. Keeping my fingers crossed. Keep in touch. Hopefully it goes smooth for both of us

Someone posted under financing and insurance that tricare now covers the sleeve.

I just finished up my 3 month requirement for Aetna. I was originally going to try for this year, but am now considering January. I want it done this year, but financially it would be better for next year. I can put my part of the fees in a fsa which will be available Jan 1. My fear is that something will change on my benefits for next year. We get our new benefits summary at the end of the month. I know I will still have Aetna and same deductible but that is all I know. My PCP also mentioned that in the health care reform they are trying to have WLS removed from all policies. Decisions??!!??

That is ludicrous. The NIH lists high BP and high cholesterol as comorbidities for WLS. I would find a new dr if possible.

Maybe try sending a copy of your drivers license too. Someone I work with had the same issue and Aetna accepted a copy of his dl as proof.

I haven't had the sleeve done yet, but I had my gallbladder out and a c-section done in 2008. I had my artificial nails on for both. I asked my surgeon about them and he said it was fine. As always though all surgeons are different so it is best to ask.

You can always do other core strengthening excersise such as pelvic tilt or planks. I haven't had my sleeve, but after my c-section I was scared to do crunches too. I found a video called bender ball that concentrates on your core. Also the YMCA has great classes that are reasonable.

The sweet taste can be caused from your body breaking down proteins for energy. Does your urine have a different odor also? I know that is a strange question, but that is usually the other way your body passes ketones. It is common when people switch to a high protein diet and diabetics.

It is weird how every dr has a different pre op diet. I have to do 3 days of clear liquids for my pre op. The other dr in the same place I am gong through makes his patients do a 10-14 day clear liquid diet. One of my friends just did bariatric surgery and had no pre op diet at all and they are a lot heavier than I am. I am sure the few bites of dessert will not affect you in the long run. The 27 is just around the corner and then you will have a great tool to help you thru this journey we are all taking together. Good luck with everything.

I have aetna too. Go to aetna.com and search obesity surgery. It is article 157. It explains that you have to go thru a 3 month multi discipline or 6 month dr supervised weight loss. I picked the 3 month. I had to see a dietician 4 times and a physical therapist 3 times. I also had to have a phyc eval done. The office will guide you through all of it. You have to lose or maintain your weight during the 3 months and exercise usually 2 to 3 times a week.

That's true, it probably will be 2011 so they would look at 09 and 10 then. From what I have been told, you don't have to have a bmi over 40 for the entire 2 years. They just want a history that you have been struggling with your weight. The weight lose and then the gain should help you to get approved. I was worried about losing weight during the 3 month because it would drop me below 40 bmi. So my goal is to maintain during the 3 month thing.

They look at 2008 also. Did you go to your obgyn during that year or weighed at a gym? A guy at my work did not have anything from 2008, but they accepted a copy of his drivers license as proof. I was pregnant in 2008 so I have several weight checks. Hope this helps

We all here you on that. Your surgeon may have you run some tests to make sure that you are up for the surgery medically and emotionally. You are pretty so I wouldn't stress too much. I am 33 and 250 lbs at 5'5". My surgeon thinks that I am the perfect canidate for the surgery. Are you self pay or through insurance? You may have to jump thru some hoops for the insurance part. Welcome to the sight. I have not had my surgery yet, but I am very excited too.

I also am doing the 3 month. I have to see the dietician 4 times total. The last visit is for a weight check only. Basically you have to meet with the dietician, log your meals, met with a physical therapist 3 times and a phyc eval once. They are also having me go to my pcp 3 times also to cover all the basis. Your surgeon's office will help you through all of this. They deal with insurance companies all the time. Good luck with your journey. I have my last visit on sept 30. Everything will be submitted to the ins co after that for approval. I have been told aetna approves pretty quickly after that. You may also be required to show weight history for the past 2 yrs.

Thanks everyone. I have tried to get my husband to go to a meeting, but something has always come up. I think he is also scared that I will not feel the same about him after I lose weight. It baffles me. I just want to be healthy and more active with my girls. I am looking forward to have more energy to be a fun mom again. I weigh more now than when I was pregnant. I think it is funny because I never thought of myself as obese just a liitle fluffy. I would like for my husband to have the surgery too, but that is decision that he will have to make on his own.

I got unflavored protein at

Woohoo!! A lose is a lose. I had the same thing happen when I was on pain meds for divirticulitis. I lost 10 lbs w/o trying.

I'm in the same boat as you except with aetna. I have my last appointment sept 30. Good luck with the approval process and I hope it goes by quickly for you. I know the fear of failure and the excitement of success. We can do it with all the support we have found on this site!!!

Nuvaring may be another option for you also. It has similar hormones as the pill just in the form of a ring that you insert once a month. It is similar to putting in a tampon. Your dr should be able to give you a sample to try it. If you had problems with the iuc the first time you probably will the second time too.

I called aetna about that also. They said it is not required by my employer so I do not have to have it.

Yeah that was what I was originally thinking too. It is getting closer and I do not want any surprises that may delay my surgery.

I have insurance through Aetna. I am almost through with my 3 month multi-discipline. I called the hospital that I am having my surgery with. They said it could be up to $3000 upfront. That is my max out of pocket. I have almost met my deductible for this year, but there is no way that I can pay $3000 upfront. They said once my surgery is scheduled that I would know how much it will be. I know that all policies are different, but has anyone else gone through Aetna? How much did you have to pay?