espeon

Thanks so much, Restlessmonkey! I will see if I can decipher the material online before breaking down and calling an insurance person. I just have this fear that a call would trigger their efforts to block the surgery, lol. Thanks again.

Hello, I am 40 and live in the Washington D.C. area. I have a BMI of 35.5 or 36, depending on how I list my hieght (5 foot 2 vs. 5 foot 3). I also have weight-related Depression and very high blood pressure, so high that I've gone to the ER twice. I want the band, and want to be sure I get approved. I have Aetna. The first thing I want to know is: will they approve wls, and will they allow lap-banding. If yes, how much will they pay. I think the most efficient way to find out is to call them, but will this raise a flag that sets them looking for ways to deny? Should I simply start by going to the doc? I can def. document this weight, plus weight loss attempts that at first succeed, but ultimately fail when I gain back all the weight. Also, i am on medications for depression that cause weight gain by increasing hunger. Will that be an obstacle, either in terms of approval or in terms of success for the band? My weight definitely causes and worsens Depression symptoms, easily documented by my psychiatrist and therapist. Please forgive me if these things are addressed in existing forum questions; I have searched but haven't seen my specific concerns show up. Can anyone advise me about any of the above? Thank you!