I apologize in advance for my long leadup to my question.

I had an appointment with my PCP today concerning switching meds for my RLS and told him of my plans to pursue WLS with the LAP-BAND®®® - he was very supportive. I am attending a seminar tomorrow evening. My BMI has been over 35 for most of the past 20 years and I have tried repeatedly to lose weight only to gain it back plus more. My BMI is currently over 40, I have been on medication for HBP for at least 13 years, I have obstructive sleep apnea and have used a CPAP since January of 2006 and am having a test done to see whether the air pressure needs to be increased due to my weight gain and daytime sleepiness.

In 2007-2008 I trained hard for and completed 2 sprint triathlons and 2 mini-sprint triathlons but only lost 15 lbs in over a year. I had gallbladder surgery in 2009. I had foot surgery earlier this year because of the repetitive stress of the weight during that triathlon training. I have gained 25 pounds back. I have had expensive (unsuccessful) procedures trying to manage my lower back pain and physical therapy for knee tendonitis and a torn meniscus ligament (which does not need surgery at this time).

So my question is: I have Aetna NAP Choice POS II insurance which covers the procedure and am expecting to get the requirements in the email any day. Needless to say, it has been an expensive year, medically speaking. I am less than $300 away from my annual out-pocket-maximum and I really need to have this surgery before December 31st. Is this doable, even with a 3 month supervision requirement?

I am 50 years old can't wait to be able to be more active again. I am not afraid of exercise but diet is my weakness and need this help to get to a healthy weight and stay there for the rest of my life!!!!!

Edited September 9, 201015 yr by sarytyr
Thread getting no response - edited title

I did it in less than 4 months... just had to get all of the testing in, all of the nutritionist appointments and psych eval, and lose the weight required by my doc (had to lose 15 before he would approve surgery... I lost 25!). Just go, go, go. A lot of people on here have had their first appointment and surgery in the same month... it depends on your surgeon's requirements and how much you're willing to do in a short time... I'd discuss this with your surgeon and let them know you need to have it done before 2011... if they can they will!

I would go ahead and start the supervised diet now. Also search for other surgeons in the area in case your current surgeon will take too long you might consider working with another. Good Luck!

I have been in the process for over a year but all surgeon's are different (I switched insurances in the middle too).

The only advice I can offer is either talk to your insurance company about your situation. Is it them who require a 3 month supervised diet? If so, perhaps you can present to them some proof that you've been on diets before and they haven't worked. I know a lot of people on this forum have said that they were able to show Weight Watchers records to skip the supervised diets. Perhaps you can come up with something to show them?

If that doesn't work, start the diet ASAP and make sure you get all appointments and tests as soon as you can so you'll be set to start your liquid diet when those three months are up. I would think you could potentially get the surgery before the 1st of the year as long as everyone works with you.

I wish you the best of luck!

I went to my seminar last night and that's what they suggested. Get started ASAP on my 90 day pre-op program.

They gave me the name of the person who handles the Aetna 90 day plans for them and her website. I got on my computer as soon as I got home and made an appointment for first thing Monday morning. It will be a real push to make it but if Aetna approves quickly in December I should be able to do the surgery before the end of the year. The lady at the seminar said that the surgeons are really good at working with you and if they are pretty sure that you will approved they will schedule the surgery so that once they get the ins. approval things are already set up.

Crossing my fingers that all goes well - I am so tired of the past 2 years of medical bills!!!