Hey guys!

I have a concern: I understand that the insurance company, Aetna, requires 2 yrs of documentation of my weight and such. The last time I've been to the doctor was 07 and 08 when I was pregnant. Would that work? I also have documentation from my personal trainer with my weight, measurements and BMI from 09. Would that documentation work??

Aetna approved me with my post-partum weights (in 2004 and 2007) plus my weight in November 2009, my weight at my intial consult in December 2009 and my weight when I started the 3-month plan in January 2010.

My surgeon chose to leave out my record showing my weight in 2008, as it was less than what it needed to be.

I was afraid they wouldn't take my post-partum and pregnancy weights, especially as the records show that I lost a lot of weight between pregnancies, but they approved me.

I did include an essay detailing my long-term history battling my weight, and was VERY motivated during my 3-month multidisciplinary diet. My insurance contact says that both of those likely made a big difference when the director reviewed my application.

Thank you so much! That makes me feel so much better! I did plan on writing a letter explaining my weight loss attempts. :smile2: Unfortunatly, I just don't have a medical paper trail. For a curvy girl, I am active and rarely get sick. I never had any reason for doctor visits. :smile: One other question, how did you go about getting your letter of recommendation? Thanks for your help!

Actually, I was approved without it, but I have to get it before my surgery date. I'm just going to call up our family doc and ask for it. *laugh*

I didn't even have doctor records for my pregnancies, actually. I had both my kids with midwives, so I hadn't seen an MD at all until 2008, and we didn't even submit that year, just late 2009 and early 2010 (Nov/Dec/Jan).

Like you, I'm generally very healthy, so I hadn't had any reason to go to the doctor in years. We did not expect me to be approved on the first try... not me, not my surgeon, and not my insurance contact. It was totally a surprise!

Sticking with this restricted diet (I am basically already eating like I'm banded) has been HARD -- the hardest stretch I think I've ever done, but it's paid off in both an unexpected approval and a great head-start on my weight loss. And I'm not going to be facing the shock of having to develop totally new habits post-op. Just have to get myself off carbonation and stop drinking during meals, and I'll have the diet aspect of post-banding totally in line. :smile2:

I have Aetna too. Mine did not require two years of records, they only wanted my highest weight two years ago at about this same time. My doctor just included that weight in one of my diet reports.

Thanks for the insight making.a.change! :smile2:

I also have Aetna and they asked my primary care for the last 2 years history. He did have it and faxed it over. Now, if you dont, have you done Weight watchers, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig or anything else? Because I also had all of the receipts, books, etc to prove I have been battling this. My nurse at Aetna told me they needed the letter to prove I didnt gain it all within the past year and this was a "quick fix" to losing it. I have been battling it forever and by no mean think it is a "quick fix" and was kinda surpised she said it. But anyway, I'd send them that stuff if you have it too! Good luck!!