I was talking to the practice manager where I plan on having my revision done if/when Aetna decides to cover the VSG. I was approved for a revision back in Nov'09 to replace my band, they were not able to and could only remove the band, my port is still in place. She said that I may have to do a supervised diet to get approved for another revision. That really confuses me because it would seem as if I should already be covered by the Nov'09 approval. Anybody else have to jump through any special hoops?

I think I'm going to make an appt for my PCP just to get my weight logged for the month.

Hi

I see that no one answered your post, so I will give you my experience.

I originally had a lap-band in 2005. I did not need to do the supervised

diet thing, just write a history of my issues with weight loss and re-gain.

(I think my insurance was either aetna or united health care)

I am now getting the band removed. My current insurnace provider, anthem blue cross blue shield, just says that I need to show "medical Necessity". Nothing said about a supervised diet.

Hope you are getting the answers you need,

Lisa

Aetna is now covering Sleeve surgery. Have you gone back to them? I consulted 2 weeks ago with my Dr. Want band removed and revised to sleeve. They told me Aetna just started covering it. I am waiting for approval but they want me to see a nutritionist at least 3 times before they put the request through. Having had an unsuccessful band should be pre-approval enough, I think!

Well I did go back to my surgeon and they are going to submit a letter of pre-determination this week. In the mean time, I have been told to also act as if I am trying to get approval again, so I need to see my nutritionist and PCP 3 times over the next four months.

Good luck with that. Pls keep me informed with that.

You are in my prayers.

BTW...Aetna does cover VSG now.

Thank you for the infor, Morgandobes.

Very useful.