crystal525

I was approved. I'm anxious, excited, scared, and happy all rolled up in one. My surgery will be most likely November 13--can't confirm yet because their system is down. Plus I need to make sure I can get all my appointments in! I'm trying to let it sink in. This will be a perfect holiday season. Crystal:thumbup:

Just an update! Got approval today. Thank goodness it was fairly painless. Now I have to get all my other appointments going--looking at the first Thursday in November as a date!!

So I just got back from what I thought was going to be my 2nd of 3 appointments and they told me it was my 3rd and final (they counted the presentation in July as my first visit). I did see the dr. during at that time, but I was told on my next visit (which was the first group therapy, dr., and nutritionist) that that was actually my 1st visit. I have no problem with that. It makes me happy that I'm a month ahead. Now I have to rush and get all these appointments done because the insurance lady told me to wait. Now I'm just worried that they won't have all my paperwork in line when it's submitted tomorrow to the insurance....!!!! I hope that all the requirements (sleep apnea , psych eval, etc.) were part of the clinics requirements and not Aetna (Open Access). Now I need to check that... I'm crossing my fingers. Good thing is that I should know soon about approval and any other "hoops". Crystal

Hello fellow Marylanders. I have Aetna open access. Hopefully they approve me. I know I qualify and I just need to have confidence which is hard to come by these days. I have my first nutritionist appointment on Aug. 13. I guess I'll find out then when I should start having tests... I'm crossing my fingers that the 3 months go by quickly. I've been reading and am getting more excited!!

I quit smoking a year ago when I had my breast reduction. And...gained 18 pounds in 6 months! But --YES YOU NEED TO QUIT. I had a friend that did not quite when she had the bypass and ended up in ICU because of breathing issues following her surgery. Very scary. That's what made me know I didn't want gastric bypass. That is a must for you. It's hard but easier when you know you're doing it for a reason--tell yourself you won't be able to have the surgery if you have smoked in the last 30 days. That's what my surgeon told me. It worked!

Okay--the $1500 is supposed to cover the nutritionist and exercise consultant and office visits for life (no matter if I change insurance carriers and what my coverge is) except when needing the fill. Since he wants me to have the sleep apnea test, I think that's included also. The psych consult is NOT included --the want $375 for that for their in-house therapist. I'm going to use one on my insurance plan. $375 for a 45 minute evaluation seems steep. I'm feeling like I'm getting charged this because I'm using insurance. I'll ask for a breakdown when the insurance person calls-I reallly liked the dr. but didn't seem to get along with her too well. Seemed like she didn't want me questioning what she was telling me. Oh Well... :smile2: Regarding the $40 fill--I have no clue about that. I will follow up on that too. She told me all this before calling my insurance (Aetna Open Access). I don't have a copay over $10 unless going to the emergency room without being admitted. My specialis copay is even $10!!! I hope she calls today. I was leery while talking to her now I'm more so...

Thanks! I am going to the Obesity Center in Washington DC. Dr. Moazzez. When I went I actually saw someone else I knew that lived down the street. It's the only center in DC that is designated as a center of excellence.

I was too told that I would have to stop 1 month before surgery...I have a 17 year old son and have no intentions of having another! My hubby will not be too happy but I'm not taking any chances! I have been thinking about the IUC anyway...maybe it's a good time to look into that! :cool:

Wish me luck as I start on my journey. Attended the seminar today and I'm really excited. Hopefully the insurance pulls through for me. Glad to be in the company of so many like me!!! :cool:

and it seems I'm a great candidate for the band and I fit in with what my insurance qualifications are. The insurance coordinator will call my insurance company to verify again (of course I did that already...), and will call me next Tuesday to schedule my first nutrition counseling. That's where I am at. While reviewing all insurance requirements, etc. with the coordinator, she said that I must pay a $1500 non-refundable fee (even with insurance covering it) one week before surgery.:cool: Is this large of an expense normal even with 100% coverage? Before getting too involved, I just wanted to check with the pros! She said this was to cover follow up for life with the dr. without having to pay any co-pays or office visits. Except for Fills, I will have to pay $40 --even though all of my insurance co-pays are only $10 --even for specialists. These 2 issues concerned me. I did really like the surgeon though--he actually did the seminar himself. He is at the Obesity Center in Washington, DC. They are a center of excellence. Thanks for any comments!