MommyOf3

Hi Noosh, I did have my surgery on 12-29-08. It went well, and although the incision where the port is was a little more painful that I expected, it hasn't been bad at all. I've lost about 15 pounds (not surprising, since there's not a whole lot that i can eat!), so I've got about 60 more to go. The first week was a little rough, between some pain (though not bad) and wanting to eat. Since then, it's been easier. I will be getting my first fill on 2-11, and I am looking forward to being able to eat real food again soon. As far as the process went with Aetna, it was really painless! The insurance guru at my surgeon's office did basically everything, and the fact that I had been seeing my primary care physician for about 6 months (and had 3 consecutive monthly visits...make sure you get those done) and had tried other way to lose (Meridia, Pfen-Fen, Weight Watchers, etc.) really helped. My out of pocket expenses were about $2000, including my co-pay and the classes that I took through the Bariatric Program that works with my surgeon. I've submitted the fees for the program to Aetna to see if I can get reimbursed, so we'll see how that goes! Good luck to you, and if I can do anything to help, please let me know!

Hi, I have Aetna (HMO) and was recently approved for a band. I was required to have had 6 visits over the past 2 years with my primary doctor which were focused on my weight and 3 of the 6 had to be in consecutive months. I think that since your BMI is greater than 40, you don't need any other medical co-morbidities. I'd do some reasearch online on Aetna's web-site, and see what is required for your particular plan. My experience with them was surprisingly pleasant, and I am having surgery next week. Good luck!