New here, on the track for surgery

Hi, my name is Morrie Killian and I live in East Lyme. I had my surgical consult with Dr Aranow yesterday at 2:30. I feel so much better having seen and talked to him. He seems to think that the lap-band surgery would be a good thing for me but when I investigated it with Aetna (UGH) it appears that they don't cover it unless you have some pretty severe medical problems. Now we have started the process - why does Aetna have to make things so difficult. It only took me 6 months to even decide to pick up the phone and make the call and now three months after the initial conference, I'm finally seeing the surgeon and started down the bariatric road. I'm 279.2 lbs and 5ft 8 inches. My BMI is 43 so I qualify. I have 2 little boys aged 1 and almost 3. I look forward to getting to 'know' more of you as we make this journey to health and wellness. Thanks for reading my ramble if you made it this far.

Hi my name is Susan Therrien, I live in Plainville Conn. I am 268 punds, 5 foot 6 inches tall, my BMI is also 43 and I have a surgery date of Jan. 20th. I am new to this internet posting, but I try to do it every day so I don't isolate. I am at the beginning of my journey so I don't have any experience to rely on. I just wanted to wish you well and I think it is courageous of you to embark on this journey.

Welcome to both of you! Aetna can be tough - how does the doctor feel about Lap RNY? I was approved immediately - I had everything ready in advance. We're having a get-togther on March 20th, we'd love to meet some new members. If you are interested in attending, please email me your name and email address at [email protected]. This is a great group, and we are all willing to help if we can. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -44 lbs.

Hi Morrie, I'm so glad that you found your way here. This site was so helpful to me when I was in the planning and preparing stages of this journey towards surgery. And I still come back here everyday to visit with all the friends that I have found here. The group we have here at the Connecticut message board is just awesome. If you need anything... all you have to do is ask. Congratulations on getting this far. Kim

Congrats on coming this far. I wish you luck in dealing with the insurance. It can be tough, but hang in there. I am 14 mos post op and a patient of Dr. Aranow. I can tell you he is THE BEST. So, you know you're in good hands with him. Welcome to the baord, feel free to post whenever you need help. I hope you'll consider coming to the get together to meet some other WLS (pre and post op) patients. Take care, Lisa C Post Op RNY 11/18/02 306/153 (at goal)

Morrie, I am so glad you found this wonderful site!! It really helps; with information, support and just someone to talk to! I am almost 2 months post-op from lapriscopic roux n y surgery. I believe this was the best thing I could do for myself. I am down 34 1/2 pounds, but feel like I could tackle anything the good lord throws at me! I wish you the best of luck on your journey and I am just down the road in mystic if you need me Cathy Marques