New Here and so excited.

Hey all, I have been thinking about WLS for some time now. I am new to Tennessee and live about 1.5 hours from Nashville. Vanderbilt is in my insurance network, so that is where I am going for approval at this point. I am so excited, but a little apprehensive. It seems like people have such insurance issues. I have Aetna HMO. Does anyone else who got approved? I am willing to do all the leg work I have to. Thanks so much Rachael

Rachel, can't help you on the insurance but I can wish you the best life has to offer after surgery. It's fantastic. You can check out your surgeon and see what insurance companies he's worked with and read from prior patients that had/has your insurance and see what they had/have to say. May God travel with you on this journey, Kathy WElCOME TO OUR BOARD.

Hi Rachael . And welcome to TN! I hope you are enjoying it here. I am going through Vanderbilt also. Do you know if the surgery is allowed under your plan? You may have to review your plans specifications to make sure it is not excluded. Also, if it is allowed, most of them require a 6 month Dr. supervised Diet. Just be prepared in case you do have to start that. I hope you have a speedy approval. Keep us updated on your progress. Misty

Hey Rachael, I had Aetna HMO when I first started this whole process. I can tell you, they did require a 6 month dr. supervised diet along with other things. Contact Aetna to check out their requirements. You could probably find it online too. Go to a Vandy seminar. I've been to one and its really pain free If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Welcome to Tennessee! April

I have been to the seminar at vandy already. It was nice. I know that the surgery is covered under my policy. I have read the clinical policy bulletin. It states a new "either/or" type of thing with regards to physician supervised diet. You can either do a 6 month program or a 3 month pre-surgical preperatory program. This is so difficult

Can't help with ins. questions, but welcome to the Tn. Board. I don't live too far from you...Good Luck Billie

Welcome Rachael! I know I can't help with the insurance, but I can be here to help with other things. Kathy is a good one to listen to. She has really been thru the hoops. Best of luck in your quest for a healthier life. Sara.

Hey Rachael. While you are looking in Nashville, maybe you could attend a seminar at Baptist, too. You will learn about three different procedures there. Dr. Husted does the Duodenal Switch procedure (the only one in Tennessee and surrounding areas) as well as RNY and LapBand, so you could learn about all three procedures there. Check out the web site at www.ccfos.com

My insurance company does not cover the DS or the lapband procedures. Only the open or lap RNY.