Arielle

BMI of 41 is morbidly obese so that should qualify you without any illnesses.

@LorinEliz37I just called Aetna and I got approved!!! It took exactly one week and one day. You got this !! Im sending positive vibes your way.

how long did it take for the approval from aetna? i have the same insurance & am so anxious about getting approved.

Yay! I saw my surgeon today and got my surgery date. June 6!! I start my 10 day pre op diet on May 27

I received approval from Aetna! (Aetna POS II). I did the 90 day Multi-disciplinary approach. Technically I started in December, but I had a little hiccup and missed one of my appointments with my Primary Care Doctor in January. All I did was tack on an extra appointment with him in April, and all was good. When I first started I was so confused about Aetna's requirements, so I wanted to share for those that are taking the same route. Here is what I did to get approved.
December:
I met with the Surgeon and bariatric coordinator. I was intimidated about the process because of the insurance requirements. I started a journal to help keep track of my appointments and for a place to relay my thoughts as I went through everything.
I met with my Primary Care doc for appointment 1 of 3.
I met with a physical Therapist office, the week before Christmas, inside of our local YMCA to meet the exercise requirement. I wasn't sure how often I was supposed to meet with them. I scheduled an appointment twice a week. I later found out that once a month would have sufficed.
January:
I met with nutritionist for appointment 1 of 3
I met with psychologist for appointment 1 of 3
I met with Primary Care doc for a reason not related to weight loss, so it did not count as appointment #2, and I had to start over in February with my PCP visits.
I met with physical therapist twice per week.
February:
I met with nutritionist for appointment 2 of 3 (I lost10 pounds at this weigh in)
I met with psychologist for appointment 2 of 3 .
I met with Primary Care doc for appointment 1 of 3 (again...sigh)
I learned that I only needed to meet with the exercise therapist once per month, so I only had one visit this month.
March:
I met with nutritionist for appointment 3 of 3 (I lost 9 more pounds at this weigh in)
I met with psychologist for appointment 3 of 3, and took the evaluation test.
I met with Primary Care doc for appointment 2 of 3.
Since I had already had 3 months straight with the exercise therapist, I did not go anymore after my February appointment. But I did keep an exercise log and gave it to my bariatric coordinator to submit as well, just to help my case.

April:
1 visit with Primary Care doc

For some reason it took my PCP a while to get everything sent over to the bariatric coordinator so that she could submit it for approval, but it was finally submitted on 4/25, and approval was granted on 5/5.
I am 5'9 and started out in December at 290 pounds. As of today I am 259 pounds and I'm proud that I did that on my own. I feel confident and have proven to myself that I can make the lifestyle and habit changes that are required in order to make this tool successful. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in December, which lit the fire under me to get serious about my health. I am waiting for a call back from the Bariatric coordinator so that I can get my pre-op appointment and surgery scheduled.
This has been quite a journey so far. I'm excited to watch it all unfold.

Parasailing... zip lining... riding horses in the ocean, kayaking in the bioluminescent bay and hiking a rain forest! All things I couldn't have done before surgery! Did em and ready to do more!!! I'm only 5 months out, but so thankful for my surgery... made my life so much better.


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Jesus loves you!!!

I'm 5'2" weighed 275+ at my highest. Less than a year post-op, I reached goal. Have been maintaining 120-122 for over 4 years now. Was a tight size 4X, been a size 00-0 ever since reaching goal.


At first maintenance was VERY challenging! I think I've now figured out the right balance for me, so it's getting easier. I will always be vigilant about my food choices and exercise. But I'm very happy with how i'm eating & LOVE working out!!

5'6" started at 271 four years out and maintaining at 135

6 weeks out and I can take big swallows that totally satisfy me. I was a guzzler too! It gets much better!

8 months out and I can drink Water as I please.

I was the same way with Water pre-op. I am 3 mos out and just starting to get back to my old water ways, but still not as much. It just didn't taste good after surgery so I'd put a lemon slice in to change the ph and that helped. Still can't gulp but I can do a 16 oz bottle of plain water pretty quick when I'm thirsty. It may not be the same but will get better!!

I have always enjoyed Water, its my drink when I wake up and before I go to sleep, but now I am 6 days out of my surgery and I am devastated ( i know it might seem exaggerated but it's the only word i can think of to describe how i feel ) I can't drink as much water as I did pre surgery. I know a lot of people say this regret is fleeting and when the weight falls off i'll feel better but, will I ever be able to drink ( by drink i mean gulp down) copious amounts of water ever again? I don't feel hungry nor thirsty but the thought that this is how i'll be forever is causing me anguish.