MaggieB

My info was submitted April 30. I called Aetna May 12 - they told me the info was received on May 11. I was approved May 18. Received approval letter May 24. My doctor office told me Aetna had up to 90 days to approve/deny request.

My surgery is today! I'm scheduled for 9am, need to be the hospital at 730am. I have been awake since 4am - did not sleep well last night. Really anxious and excited at the same time, hoping I have made the right decision.

I had one as part of my Pre-op workup. I had to drink about a shot glass size of really sour fizzy stuff. Then they gave me a cup of the chalky barium to drink. It doesnt really have a taste or smell, it was the consistency of thick, melted milkshake - but it was still gross. They took xrays while I was drinking the barium standing up. Then they had me lay on the xray table - took several different views without drinking the barium. Then they had me roll onto my stomach - took more pics while I was drinking the barium. The whole procedure lasted about 5 minutes. I thought I was going to sick during the drinking part of it - I just closed my eyes and concentrated on swallowing the stuff. I did not get sick. Good Luck to you.

Been taking 2 generic childrens chewable multivitamin and 1 citrical a day.

I'm nervous about this! My surgery is scheduled June 10th and we are going on a 7 day cruise Aug 1st. My doctor is pretty conservative about the eating after surgery - I have 3 days of Clear liquids, 5 weeks of Full liquids & Protein supplements then solids. My first fill is supposed to be around that time but he said we would hold off until I return. I'm just nervous about the "bandster hell" everyone describes. I don't want to be on the ship eating everything in sight! I'm glad I have a supportive family - my mom assures me there is plenty to do to keep my mind off the food.

I just completed mine - it was more like 5 months by the time I completed all of the requirements. Pysch eval - Met with a doctor and he asked me several questions about my thoughts, feelings, knowledge of WLS, my eating habits etc. I also had to take a 400 question personality test. sleep study - Went in around 10pm, felt like I was covered in wires, very difficult to sleep - infact I never went into REM sleep. Out the door at 5am. They called me about a week later stating I had sleep apnea and had to go back to be fitted for CPAP machine. 2nd visit same as the first - went in around 10pm, hooked me up with all the electrodes, tried several types of masks, then went to sleep - this time I actually felt like I slept. Out the door by 5am. Got a call a few days later to come and learn/pick up the CPAP machine. 3 month nutritionist visits - met with a nutritionist every month for 3 months. Quick appointments - went over nutrition requirements, staying hydrated, pre & post op diet, just basic eating healthy info. Given info on WLS support groups in the area. 4 months of doctor supervised "diet" - Basically same info given to me at nutritionist appointment. I was weighed at this appointment and because my BMI is right at 40 I was basically told not to lose or gain any weight during this 4 month period. The doctor gave me more info regarding WLS, I would get samples of different Protein shakes etc & she would answer any questions I might have. Very quick appointments usually in/out within 15 minutes. I had my last of my 4 month doctor visits on 4/28. The office submitted my info on 4/30. Aetna received my info 5/11. I was approved by Aetna 5/18. Recieved written approval from Aetna on 5/24. Heard from doctors office on 5/25 - preop scheduled 6/1, start my liquid preop diet 6/7, have final appointment with surgeon 6/8 and surgery is scheduled 6/10.

I'm 5'3 and my goal is around 130. I weighed 130 prior to having kids and I thought I looked great. My doctors goal weight for me is around 115. I weighed 115 when I was a senior in high school - at this point I just dont see how that is going to be possible.

My immediate family knows and one friend knows about my decision - and my one friend actually had gastric bypass about 5 years ago and is very supportive of my decision. Others that I have mentioned I was "thinking" about lap band have not been supportive - I have had comments of "you are not fat enough" etc. I also have heard all of the horror stories from everyone. I don't want people to be questioning me or judging me about my decision. So I am going to keep quiet about it.

I have Aetna and was worried I would not be approved. My BMI for 2007 & 08 was around 38 with no other medical problems. I did not have a documented BMI/weight for 2009. My BMI for 2010 is right at 40 and while doing all the doctor visits required by Aetna I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea this year. I have no other medical problems. I was approved - my surgery is scheduled for June 10th.

I have to do 3 days of "full liquid" diet for pre-op. I wasnt really given a certain amount, the doctor told me to get in at least 40-80 grams of protein/day - using the Protein shakes (2 servings/day), adding protien powder if needed to other things like Soups, cottage cheese, yogurt, SF pudding etc. Ask your doctor or nutritionist then I would just start reading labels and go by the serving size listed.

I have Aetna POS. My doctor said they sent info to Aetna on 4/30, Aetna received info on 5/11, Approved on 5/18 and I was notified via a letter from Aetna on 5/24.

Scheduled my surgery today for June 10th! Very excited and scared at the same time.

I have Aetna POS and just had to post that I have been approved. After everything I had read on this board and what the doctors office told me - I had my doubts that it would happen. My current BMI is 40 (and heaviest) and was just diagnosed this year with sleep apnea while going thru all of preliminary stuff Aetna makes us do. My BMI for 2007/08 was 38 (no other health problems) & I did not have a documented weight for 2009. So there is hope for you guys out there in a similiar situation. My preop is scheduled for June 1, I start my preop "full liquid" diet on June 7 and my Lab Band surgery is scheduled June 10th. I'm so excited!!!:smile2:

Maybe you should be checked to see if you have Pertussis. If you were diagnosed with bronchitis, that cough can linger for weeks.