Aetna PPO help....

I have a friend in my h2o Aerobics class and she was wicked upset last night. Her insurance as of end of July will no longer cover the RNY surgery-after all the hoop jumping she is in the process of doing. She wouldn't be done with all the preliminary stuff as of that date, therefore they told her they won't cover her surgery!!! I want to help her out with some info. If anyone has Aetna PPO please post or email me! I would think since she began this journey ahead of time they should look at that date and still cover her surgery! Does an appeal have a chance? Anyone else with this same issue? I know you guess helped me so darn much, I have the utmost faith in your advice for her. She is a trooper! I hate to have her stop fighting now! Is there some laws out there to help her out? I had different insurance and my battle was smooth! Put on your thinking caps guys!!! xoxoxojenn