HI Everyone!! My name is ...

HI Everyone!! My name is Renee and I am just starting out with my weight loss journey. I have been a member of OH for several weeks now. I love everything this website has to offer. I cant wait to get to know you.

Wecome Aboard!!! HUGS Deb H (@ Indian Lake)

Hi Renee! Welcome to the Ohio Board! The people on here are just great. Everyone is very supportive and that is what we all need. Good Luck with your Journey... Hugs, Julie

Hi Renee, Welcome to OH........this place is truely a god-sent. You will learn so much and get soooo much support from alot of great people that have and are going through the exact same things and emotions as you!! I have Aetna just like you so if you have any questions please just ask. I just got approved April 12th and received my letter from Aetna yesterday, now I'm waiting for the Surgeon's office to call! Let me know what process you are in.........have you started or finished your 12 week/3 Month weight loss program that Aetna requires? Good luck and remember if you need anything I'm here and everyone else will be more then supportive!! Luv Tabitha

HI Tabitha!! Thanks for the welcome. Well I went to my first info session at Jewish Hospital tonight. Thats where the bomb was dropped that I would have to undergo the 12 week weight loss program before they can send papers off to Aetna. I look at it as a mixed blessing. I am sure I will drop a few lbs before the surgery and it will mentally prepare me for the eating challnges that will lay ahead post op. This weight loss program involves drinking shakes only...I believe its called opti-fast or something similar to it. I have to go in for weekly visits. I will be calling them tomorrow to get this ball rolling. This way I will be done with it by July. It may not be covered by Aetna. Was your 12 weeks covered? I am hoping at least they will cover half...if not the 3 months will cost $1500. I was told the hospital will help me finance this and make a payment plan. I am a waitress and it looks as though I will be adding weekends to my work schedule When did you finish your program? Was it close to when you got your Aetna approval? Thanks for the support, Renee

Renee, I did my classes through OSU and it was only $300 for the 3 months. I didn't do the shakes, though I could have, but that was alot more expensive and I don't think i have the will power to drink/eat nothing but shakes. A girl in our class did do them though. Aetna didn't cover the class either, they say don't cover any kind of "Class or Program" don't make alot of sense to me, they want us to do this, but won't pay. I guess it just depends if you just go to your regular doctor or go through a program. I liked the program because it could be done in 3 months were if I went to my PCP I had to go for 6 months......yuck!! But $1500 sounds like alot of money to me for this. I would maybe post something asking about what others did for their 3 month program....where they went and how much it costs. As far as it being a mixed blessing, it really is. At first I was like "this is useless" but it really wasn't. I have still keep to my same eating habits for the most part and know after surgery it will continue to make a difference. Now did they tell you that you have to loss 3-5% of your body weight during these classes? I wasn't told that till later on during my classes that Aetna requires this, so thought I would give you a heads up. BUt if your doing shakes......it will come off!! I finished my classes Feb 1st. It took me longer to get my approval because I didn't have my psych eval and dietian appointment done until after my 3 month classes. A girl in my class did have hers done before she started the classes and she had her surgery done March 28th. She wouldv'e had it done sooner but we were required by OSU to complete a 4 week pre-op class also to learn to eat AFTER surgery. I'm still awaiting my call from the surgeons offfice for my appointment .....waiting stinks!! But thats one thing that really tests you in this whole process.........your patience!! It takes time but I know in the long run it will all be worth it!! Keep in touch! Tabitha

Welcome!

Welcome Renee! This is the most wonderful group of people I've ever encountered. Just about anything you experience during your journey has already been dealt with by some one here...and every one offers their knowledge and support freely. You are on your way! Liz Hillsboro

Welcome Renee! Glad to have you here. We are all in different stages of our journeys, but all started where you are now. Be sure to ask if you need any info you can't find.