Hello, everyone! I am a 35 yr old female. I am currently 288 lbs. I want to have the surgery, but have had trouble getting insurance approval. I am just wondering if there is anyone out there who has been through the approval process with Aetna Insurance? I have gone through a six month weight loss program w/ my doctor. I am beginning to have complications w/ my weight. I am just wondering if there is light at the end of the tunnel with Aetna or if I should not waste more time w/ them and bite the bullet and pay for the surgery. I will have to borrow the money. They turned me down and said I would have to go through another year of a supervised weight loss program. It costs around $11000.00 in Alabama where I live. I am getting very discouraged. I was so excited when I finally made the decision to do this to change my life. I have always been overweight and it seems like Aetna would see that I will end up costing them more money if they don't allow me to have it.

Hi,

I was approved through Aetna and fairly quickly I might add. I would definitely keep trying before you spend the money as a self pay. Good luck and keep the faith.

I was denied by Aetna in November. I only think it was bc my work policy was ending 12/31/07 and they didn't want to take the hit. They really dug to find something wrong with my prep program. My problem was that I was not "morbidly obese" for more than 5 years (4.6). And then I was just "obese". I think it could be worth jumping through the hoops, but DON'T GIVE UP! Best of luck.

Hi, I am the office manager for Alabama Weight Loss Surgery. There are some options for you to try. Although I do not know everything that has gone on with your insurance company; the company that makes the Lap Band has an appeals department that can typically overturn your denial. They work with your insuance company and all of your medical history to get you approved. This same company has also partnered up with local banks to allow affordability and provide financing of the Lap Band. Don't let your insuance company make the rules for a better life for you. There are options and there is hope. You can visit our website at Obesity Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery, Gastric Bypass, Lap Band Surgery Birmingham Alabama or contact me directly at 205-838-3047, I would love to see if we could help you.

Chris Miller

Birdt,

Don't be discouraged! I have Aetna insurance and I was approved. Like you, I had to do the six classes required, psych eval, etc. I had no problems with approval at all. Just make sure thatyour doctor has your 5 year documented weight history and anything else Aetna requires. I f you have your duck in a row great, if not do so now.:cool: