Gean

My surgery is also May 27 and I am originally from Indiana also!! Been on pre-op diet for one week, 1 week to go!

Hi I have been offline for awhile now and finally received my approval and am scheduled for May 27th also!! I am so excited, anxious, you know all the emotions. I am on my pre-op diet right now too. I am originally from Vincennes Indiana and have lived in Austin Texas for the last 15 yrs. Can we chat about the upcoming surgery? Gean

Has anyone had to do the supervised weight loss with Aetna PPO?

Can anyone help me understand the point behind the insurance companies requiring a 3 or 6 month supervised program? (prior to approval??):help:

I do not understand the purpose of the MD supervised diet..what are they expecting? If your BMI drops below 40, doesn't that cause us not to meet their criteria for approval? They want 5 yrs of a BMI over 40..I just don't see how this md supervised program is helpful?

Are you in Texas?? This is an IBM contract..I am so fearful they are going to tell me I have to do a 6 month MD supervised program, and I don't understand what that proves?

was this aetna ppo??

anyone have any experience with them???

this is a bit disconcerting, but not completely unexpected, and to be a normal size again someday, it is worth it to me...but I understand and appreciate everything you say...

Agree with you! I am holding off telling my Mom til a get a surgery date..she will be skeptical...hasn't been more than 130# in her whole life...very intolerant of obese people and such. But I know she will support me, perhaps not til the weight starts coming off...but the comr e around...

I brought my daughter with me to the seminar about the band. She has also watched me gain and lose hundreds of lbs. during her life (age 21)..she is concerned I know, that I will not be around for her children and the future. With a BMI of 46 and age 49, I know she is right. Once you have made your mind up, it is your decision.

You guys make me both hopeful and fearful! I have Aetna POS (PPO) and will be submitting next week for initial pre-cert...so if the BMI is greater than 40 for the last 5 years..thats good??

the date is just a number, look at it as YOUR lucky day!

Thanks!! My appt is at 10:30AM and they have already called to confirm...so I am ready as ever and wishing I was already on my way...will log on tomorrow afternoon from home and update!

Shannon, are you a Resp THerapist??

poolvr..your BMI and weight loss goals seem similar to mine...It is encouraging to see other people face the SAME challenges/My initial consult with the surgeon (first meeting) is tomorrow in Austin. Very excited and nervous too...just want it to be placed so I can get this party started!!

I just spoke to Aetna PPO today to request preauthorization for using the group in Austin Texas that is out of network, to be covered as a participating provider (in-network)..I spoke to the "Care Coordination" folks and they were VERY helpful. Got info from me and they opened a case # for me as my request for a non-participating referral. She said a nurse or case manager would be in touch with me and also my Dr. THere are no "in-network" providers for Bariatric Surgery in the Austin area (within 50 miles of my house), so Aetna is obligated to give me the in-network rates when there is just simply NOT a participating provider close by..Hope this helps?

Gean

this is awesome and so uplifting to see!! Thank you all for being here!

Gean

I have insurance that these MD's are out of network for (aetna)..but there are no other Bariatric SUrgeons in this area, so they are saying I should be reinbursed at an in-network rate....have to submit to insurance, I guess that ball gets rolling next week.. I am in AUstin, TX.

Prayers to you for a successful and easy surgery and recovery.

Gean

Just nervous and keep reading, all the good and the bad is helpful knowledge...

Will let you all know when I have a date!

Gean:)

I have my initial consult with my surgeon on WEd 9/5. How long does it usually take to set a date for surgery following that??

http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wPlwRAJ/

I have my initial consult with my surgeon on WEd 9/5. How long does it usually take to set a date for surgery following that??

I am from Round ROck and a respiratory therapist, my initial consult is with Dr. Paula Oliver on 9/5/07, SW BAriatrics. Being in healthcare for many years, you see and hear of so many errors and unplanned recoveries..but I feel this is a last resort for me and am up to the task. I am not afraid to take anti-gas, anti-emetics, and pain killers, so hopefully those will cover any problems I might encounter.

Any words of advice?

Gean

Please tell me how you are doing?? My initial consult is next wednesday and your story is sad for me to hear! Hows it going now??

Gean

So glad to see another AUstinite! I have my initial surgeon consult with Dr. Paula Oliver with SW Bariatrics this coming Wednesday..I am excited and nervous of course..any hints??

Gean