Ok...so I had my 1st appt Thurs with the Surgeon..We went over the procedures, met with the insurance person and was given a list of what was required by my insurance and what's required by the surgeon. Discussed my thyroid issues...everything ok there. I have AETNA and am going with the 3 month cycle, therefore my surgery date should be some time in Feb. 2015 or late Jan. I am so excited!!! I hope all of my tests go well. I also need to make sure that my PCP has 2 years of overweight history. I could be on the borderline as some point, but I hope to find out today. My BMI is 35.6 with comorbities.

Also, I can't gain any weight during the 3 months of weigh ins...no fluctuations. One thing I didn't like is that I have to use my doctors Protein shakes and Vitamins...bummer. The cost is $219. Does anyone have to pay approximately $1300 out of pocket costs for the Nutrition class, educational materials, Diet assessment, etc.? I thought all of this was covered by my insurance, but apparently not.

I have Aetna too, and just got approved after my 3 months. First of all, fluctuations in weight are OK, but you cannot have any gain from your first visit to your last. Meaning, your weight from your first visit must be the same or less when you weigh at your last nutrition visit. The middle isn't as important as long as they are not big fluctuations. I only had to pay for my 4 nutrition visits. $50 each. I didn't have to do any other classes. Your doctor may require different things. It must be your doctors policy to buy their products, as Aetna does not require that. I have been able to get my own shakes and vitamins. My nutritionist gave me many suggestions. Honestly since you just started, I would consider finding a different doctor that doesn't require so much extra that insurance doesn't ask for. Just my opinion as I had an incredibly easy process with the same insurance.

I do have another appt on the 22nd with a different doctor. I was going to cancel but now I think I will go. He may have less out of pocket fees and not require his patients to purchase his products.

I am so glad you have another appointment. Can I ask where you live? There are threads on this forum about doctors in different areas. I hope you have better luck with another doctor. This is a very exciting journey, and yet tough. You don't need the added pressure from a doctor trying to push their products.

I just had my first appointment yesterday and hope to have a February surgery date as well!

That sounds fishy that your Dr is making you use his products. My Dr requires a $500 program fee that covers a lifetime of visits & support groups, but you can use whatever products you want.

Very exciting! One program I looked at required a $350 fee for the educational materials and classes, and another program did not. I ended up going with the program that did not - for other reasons than the fee - and was happy with my choice. I think every doctor just does it differently.