Pre-op Appointment :'(

Ok I just got in from my 1st appt with the surgeon. I must say I am a bit discouraged. The agreed with me on having the RNYGB but will Aetna? It seems as if that will be the hardest part of this whole thing, getting insurance to approve it. Now I can worry myself into a coma about that..lol Any pointers on how to keep the momentum? Asia

I think the first thing you should do is stay positive. If you think it will be turned down you probably won't work as hard at getting the clearances you need for that approval. That said, I have heard of a lot of people using Aetna. Your profile doesn't say what your BMI is or if you have other medical problems so I can't tell you what their experience has been compared to your situation. From experience, I can tell you to always ask any doctor, or other person involved, when you can expect whatever it is you are waiting for. Then give them one day longer and call them. You have to stay on them sometimes. You should also always get a copy of Everything that is done. Feel free to read my profile so you can see the kind of runarounds you may be in for(hopefully not!). I have not had my surgery yet, in fact I am waiting for the final date now (I will probably have to call them again next wednesday), but I will try to help you with anything I can and I would be happy to be a friend if you so wish. And if I were you I would start on some support groups. There are a great source of information. Good Luck Asia. ~~~Pat~~~

Pat the first thing that I would like to say is THANK YOU. I appreciate your volunteering to go threw this with me. Now my BMI is about 47-48. I have sleep apnea, GERD and bad knees and back. Most recently my menses has gone MIA which my PCP has related to the weight gain. I am gonna check out your profile and if ok I will get back to you with any questions or comments I may have. Thank You Again Asia

Anytime Asia.... and feel free to add me as a friend too. Good Luck again ~~~Pat~~~

Hello Asia, I have Aetna and the very first thing I would say is check with them and make sure you have coverage.!! You really don't want to go threw all of the hoops and the rug pulled from your feet. That's what happen to me the first time. But don't let no coverage stop you. It's worth the fight. We have mile to go before we sleep Dawn

Dawn They do cover the surgery. I have contacted them 2 times already. Each time they said it is a covered benefit. They also said they cover all procedures. I am going to try and call again but I wanted to know other than the obvious questions, was their anything in particular I should be asking them? Asia

You know Asia, If they cover it just take you time and do everything it ask for and you will be having the surgery before you know it. I love this site because you get so much useful information. Read it all, be aware, and live. Dawn