lonestar5212

Also, my BMI is 41.6, I have diabetes. Aetna says I have to do a 3 month program along with a nutritionist and exercise. I have been doing a diet and exercise with my primary dr. for over a year, and will add the 3 month program with AIGB to that. And they require a health history. I think I have found medical history for 2000-2003 then 2005-2007. I have a one year gap. But that is all my criteria info. talks about. My primary says he will write a letter in total support of this for me. A sleep study wasn't included as part of my criteria, should I get one done anyway?

Thank you guys soooo much for all the great information. I feel so much better. I will definitely do everything you all suggested. And now I feel I can definitely do this. Thanks again.

I am just at the very beginning of my journey, but obviously, this is a biggy. I haven't talked to my surgeon yet. But I talked to the dietician yesterday (my first visit) and she seemed to think that as long as I keep my protein intake up, I will be fine. But I am concerned about the clear liquid diet, and especially right after surgery when everyone seems to say they couldn't eat. I have a list of suggested clear liquids from my surgeon's handout, and I don't see any protien or carb possibilities. I have to eat or my hypoglycemia will take me down fast, result being very serious. I will plan to go over this with my primary doctor and with the surgeon before I go forward. I just wanted to hear about personal experience, like the possibility of orange juice, because that is where reality lies. Thanks so much for sharing.

Can you all share what the goal is on the monitored supervised diet program. I have to do 3 months and I am wondering how much I should lose? Any thoughts? How did some of you handle that?

Aetna faxed me the criteria that they want met, and I began the program just recently. However, I am not feeling very positive about it. They say they want the 3 month program, but it sounds like they make you do more, in reality. Then the health history part is going to be hard for me. I don't know if I can provide 5 consecutive years. I had some MAJOR issues with a couple of my kids for about 3 years, and my whole focus, my money, my time, my everything was on solving their problems and not on me. Sounds like that will sink my chances. :think

:rolleyes:Attended a seminar and have had my first consultation. Ins. does cover BMI of 40 or 35-40 with one co-morbidity. I am BMI 41, and have diabetes, so I should be good to go. Have to have a psyc eval., see a nutritionist, and do 4 months of a supervised diet and exercise program, and supply health history. Once all of the above have been done, how long does the insurance co. take to make the approval decision? I have Aetna. I guess I am trying to figure out what month I might expect to have surgery. Also, the insurance company literature regarding this requirement for the 4 month supervised diet and exercise program states that they believe this will demonstrate patient's willingness to comply with post-op medical care and dietary restrictions. What kind of weight loss do you think they are looking for during that time? Is there a too little or too much number I should be thinking about? Thanks for all the help. Also, how do ya'll do those cute little tickers? BMI 41 Surgeon will be Dr. Marsden SW 242:o

I am new to all this too, and am going the insurance "jump through hoops" routine, BUT if they say no, I will definitely be self-pay. It took me a long time (2 years since I first started thinking about this) to make this decision, but now that it is made, nothing will stop me.

I am at the very beginning of this process. I have met with a surgeon and I have attended a seminar. I have also been fortunate enough to find this site. It is so important to us newbies to have this information, so I thank all of you so much. My insurance company will pay for the procedure after I jump through a few hoops for three months. Not bad at all. My question I have is regarding my diabetes and hypoglycemia. I eat 45 carbs a meal to keep my blood sugar both down and up. If I don't, my blood sugar drops way down and I get pretty sick with the shakes etc. Is this going to be a problem for me to manage after surgery?