I"m nervously and anxiously waiting for insurance approval. I'm almost to my 3 mo. appt needed for Aetna's approval. My drs office submitted already for pre-approval because I've found out my husband is going to be laid off work in October, which was my original surgery date. No work= no insurance. If we can get a pre-approval, then do my final dr appt next week, I could possibly get my lapband end of Sept.....keeping my fingers & toes crossed.

Good luck! I have Aetna and they approved me in 3 days - hopefully you'll get a quick answer too.

One note-for some reason Aetna had me coded as being on COBRA insurance even though I was employed(we got it straightened out). Anyway they told me I was approved whether it was COBRA or not. So maybe if it needs to be October you go always go COBRA for a month. It's expensive, but worth it for surgery.

Thanks for the info. Cobra is VERY high for us b/cause our son is in remission from a rare muscle disease. I dont think we will be able to afford Cobra with husband's job loss.

If my surgery is approved I've met my deductibles and will pay very little out of pocket. Trying to not get frustrated. I've spent many months debating on the lap band. Just one more *very big* obstacle.

I feel for you but realize the band is useless unless you have follow up care (fills)... I really don't want to be the messenger that you want to shoot! But without the fills the band won't help you much.

Thanks for the info. Cobra is VERY high for us b/cause our son is in remission from a rare muscle disease. I dont think we will be able to afford Cobra with husband's job loss.

If my surgery is approved I've met my deductibles and will pay very little out of pocket. Trying to not get frustrated. I've spent many months debating on the lap band. Just one more *very big* obstacle.

The cost of COBRA has absolutely nothing to do with any medical conditions you currently have. In fact, each person who is currently covered under the employer's group health plan may individually elect or decline the coverage, which means if you wanted to take the continuation coverage only for yourself, then you would only pay the premium for one person, not the entire family. Plus right now, through the stimulus (ARRA) package passed back in February, you may be eligible for upto a 65% subsidy on COBRA premiums (eligibility based on family income), so it may not be as expensive as you think.

I'd definitely look into COBRA a bit more as it may not be as out of reach as you think.

Good luck.

RM, the surgeon I"m going to includes one year of after care fills, etc. I know what you mean though and that thought crossed my mind.

Free fills? Then GO GO GO! Seriously. You MIGHT have an issue that requires medical attention, but you might need medical attention even without the band. So call them and tell them to shake a leg!