New Here!

I was just hoping to get in contact with a few people in my situation. I have been hoping to have the RNY procedure done for a while now and just found out that my insurance covers the surgery!!! I am really excited to get things started. I do have to go through a 6 month med. supervised diet plan which I began this month. I have to admitt that I am a little scared about going through the entire process and getting my hopes up just for the insurance company to deny me for whatever reason. I have Aetna open Choice PPO and I've heard that Aetna is one of the more difficult companies to deal with. Does anyone have any tips? :-S I am keeping a food and exerceise journal because I've read that that as well as medical documents will help with the approval process. My surgeon, Dr. Snyder, has a few support groups that I thought about looking into as well as a nutrition calss I need to take. I was also wondering when I should meet with my surgeon for my first consult? Should I wait until I have completed my 6 month diet or should I go in sooner? I would like to get everything done ASAP but I don't want to get ahead of myself. Six months seems like such a long time, but I know it will be over in no time. If anyone has any advice for me please feel free o email me or post a response. Thanks so much! Morgan

I am new too I can't give you the best advice about timelines; but I can tell you this. Doing what is right for you is the goal. If the insurance company denies you, you can appeal. Be persistent. Do what the insurance company recommends. Talk to your surgeon's office staff and see what they recommend. Try to maintain patience and keep trying.

Therese- Thanks so much for the advice and support. I will be persistant and I will not give up on this opportunity to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. I am lucky to have Dr. Snyder and his staff on my side I have heard really great things about them. I know that when it comes to insurance companies you never know what you're going to get. Thanks again for you support, and if you ever need anything feel free to email me! Morgan

Dear Morgan, I just wanted to say hi and to also add that those 6 months will fly by so fast. I too am also excited and scared. I have my consult next week and was told that surgery could be the first week of November. I started by having all my required paperwork,diet,test, ect done before making a date for consult but, if I had to do it all over I would make a scheduled date asap. Sometimes the wait for a consult can take a very long time. As for being denied, just keep positive. I have heard some bad but, I've also heard some good about Aetna. Take Care, Kelli

Kelli- Thank you so much for the advice! And Congrats on setting the date!!! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to be where you are in just a few months. I think you're right about scheduling the consult early, at least then I will have something to look forward to and a date to schedule everything around. I'm not the most patient person ever and I would hate to have to wait another month or so after completing the six month supervised diet. Thanks so much for your help, and if you need anything feel free to ask! Good luck on your surgery I'll be thinking of you! Morgan

Dr. Snyder is on my short list of "Best in CO." after my own Dr. Pettine. Both of them offer wonderful support groups and I think all WLS candidates should take advantage of these support goups if their Dr. offers them. You learn so much from speakers and fellow members. And remember, that he has people in his office that will do everything they can to help you win that approval if your a viable candidate.