Getting Started

My name is Nadia and I've very recently decided to have the bypass procedure done. I still haven't decided which procedure I should go with and still finding out all the requirements from my insurance (Aetna HMO - Florida). I gotta admit, I'm overwhlemed by all the information, steps needed, and decisions outstanding. I know the surgery will make a positive change in my life and I would really like to move forward with it, but I'm pretty overwhlemed and stressed by all the things needed. It feels like it would be easier to just walk away and learn to deal with the weight (which hasn't been succecssful so far -- to say the least). I really need your help and guidance on where to start, what procedures you have had done, how things went, what things to look out for during the qualification and pre/post-op stages. Just need an overall timeline of how this is suposed to work to ensure that I'm setting myself up for sucess. Any information and assitance you can offer, would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Nadia and welcome!! My advice is to check with your insurance FIRST and make sure it is a covered benefit. Aetna has not been covering bypass surgery unless your employer has purchased the WLS ryder. So just check and make sure it's a covered benefit so that you do not wast your time. That's the first step. Hang around here and you will learn A LOT! Best of Luck! Sallykate

Nadia, I had Aetna HMO and you have to do exactly what they ask. Please feel free to read my profile and "borrow" whatever you need from it. There's a link to the Aetna website that outlines what you have to have and you can use my letters for yourself and/or your PCP. Good luck!! Jan 240/131/115