Huskergirl

O.K. So I have called Aetna about 12 times to make sure I get things done the correct way. Sometimes I have to talk to member services and sometimes they refer me to precertification. Anyway, from what I understand (and believe me, I've written everything down), is that you see a nutritionist monthly for three months; have an exercise program that can be verified, meaning that they can print out all the times that you've gone (for example, I go to Curves), for a least three months; go to all the required "ologists" (psychologist, pulmonologist, and in my case, cardiologist); and then, all the information from those visits need to be sent to your surgeon. The surgeon sends all of that information in together to precertification with Aetna. Then Aetna makes the decision. I saw that someone had posted that they required you to see your surgeon every month, but I'm not aware of that requirement. So guess what? I'll be calling Aetna today and finding out that answer. Don't be afraid to call Aetna as many times as it takes to get the answers you need. Just like anything else, you're going to get those who really know and care and others who do not. Sorry about the long post. Hope it helps a little.

Thanks and congrats to all of you who have Aetna. I have another question - did your bariatric Dr. send in precertification after your initial visit? I'm a little fuzzy on the steps that need to be taken.

I'm glad to hear someone was approved through Aetna. Another person posting was not approved. I would like to pose to you the same question I had for her - who did you use for a dietician and "exercise therapist"? I called and they (Aetna) said that a personal trainer or going to Curves would not be accepted. Any advice would be appreciated. I want to make sure I cross my t's and dot my i's to the letter. Thanks in advance.

I'm really sorry to hear that, as I am also going through Aetna. Could you tell me what exercise and dietician program they approved for you? I'm having quite a time getting them to approve what they call an "exercise therapist". Keep fighting them! I'm sorry your Dr. isn't much help.

Thank you for your replies and advice. I'll be seeing my cardiologist next month for a check up and clearance for the lap band surgery. I'm sure that it won't be a problem. My ICD placement was not due to a heart attack; it's more of a precaution since I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest after a viral illness. I guess one of my main questions is that do any of you feel or see your port, especially after you've lost considerable weight? An ICD is in a pocket of muscle below my collarbone, but even now (with my extra weight) it is noticeable. It isn't anything that I'm worried about, just curious. Thanks again. Huskergirl

Hi, I'm considering lap band surgery in August or September, and I'm just starting with all the preliminary stuff. Do any of you have an ICD (implantable cardioversion defibrillator)? I just wondered if there was any advise you might give me that will ease my mind a little. I haven't had any problems with firings or anything for almost 7 years, but I can't help but wonder what a procedure like this might do to change the status quo. Thanks in advance for any advise.