Revision

Hello everyone!  I have questions.  I've appraoched the questions here before but now think I need to include all information to see if anyone out there can compare notes with me.  Here's my story.  I had gastric bypass in March 2003.  My life changed so much that I felt like I had hit the lottery.  I lost 120 lbs in about 2 years, had more energy than a team of horses and walked about 30 miles a week.  I don't think I've ever been happier and it was only getting better.  In june of 2005 I was  consulting with plastic surgeons for breast lift and reduction.  Unfortunately  my mamogram came back postive and I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  This was a completely unexpected brick wall and my world wasn't so happy anymore.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation and made it through all of that ok.  I consider myself very lucky.  On another note, after treatment I was put on an antidepressant that put about 15 or 20 lbs. on me in a couple of months and then another medication that aided in weight gain as well.  Over the last year I've tried switching the medications and the sides affects were so severe that I'm back to the original one and will be on it for another 3 years.  I have finally reached a point where I can maintain my present weight but have been working very hard to lose the weight with no success.  My  comobidity is my back problems.  I have disc problems in my lower back and was told last time that my next trip to the back doctor would be to sign surgery papers.  I had this problem under control until the weight gain and now pay a therapist, chiropractor and massage therapist out of pocket  to help me.  The pain now  extends to my knees, ankles and feet and limits my  ability to move the way I used to.  I feel like I had 2  incredible years and then everything was stolen away from me.  After alot of thought and failed efforts I've decided to visit a surgeon for a revision.  I'm a 49 year female with Aetna  HMO insurance and a BMI of 38.  Do I have a chance?  I've read the policy and the Dr's. office wouldn't let me cancel the appointment because they think there is a slight possibility for success. Has anyone out there been approved for a revision with a BMI below 40 and can you please offer any advice that would help me in the insurance process.  I've been working with my PCP on a spervised diet for the last few months and haven't had much luck.  I want my life back .   I'm healthy now, strong and ready to face new challanges.  I'm a survivor.  Will Aetna think so?

Hi Wendy, I think you have a very good chance of being approved, from what I have read on this board, due to the co-morbidity of your back problems....hopefully your surgeons office will state that very clearly in the letter, and your doc should let them know that the revision is medically necessary, which I am sure he/she will. I am fighting for a revision too, from band to DS, and I have Aetna. I am waiting to hear from my doc office about approval. (the wait is killing me!) I want back over 40 bmi, but no comorbidities. I feel positive about approval, but your surgeons office can always appeal for you as well, or you can do it yourself. It's just a bunch of red tape....just keep fighting, and you will get it!!! I think the ins companies should just trust us, I mean we are willing to be cut open to make our lives healthier! We arent doing it "just for fun!" You will be fine---hang in there