Question:
HELP! Where do I start, I have Aetna and live in Baltimore, MD?

   — Natasha B. (posted on June 12, 2003)

June 12, 2003
Hello, Well I know a excellent Doctor I also live in Md. His name is Dr. Roe. check out his site on here, he is great his staff is also great. I wish you much luck.
   — Schatzie1

June 12, 2003
Which Aetna healthplan do you have? Traditional? HMO? PPO? Will you need a Dr's (Persoanl Care Doc) referral? Each plan has it's own requirements. My doctor is WLS friendly if you don't have one and I pretty sure she accepts all of the Aetna plans. There are many Doctors doing the surgery in the area, but most are backed up 6 mos to a year for 1st appts. I have a friend who has called 11 Dr offices so far only to find that he can't get an initial consult until Sept or later for most of them. I had my surgery done in Northern Va. I got an appt in 2 weeks and from 1st appt to surgery it was 12 weeks, but I have different insurance.
   — M B.

June 12, 2003
Hi, I live in Baltimore and had my surgery one year ago yesterday (June 11 02) I had my surgery by Dr Vanguri (Perry Hall Md) and I had Aetna Insurance as well... THEN 6 months later because I did so great my husband went in to have it done, he couldn't get in to see Dr V for months and months so we were given Dr Roe's name. He got in relatively quickly and within 3 months he was a post op. I like both doctors myself, but both have completely different styles. Dr Roe is a little more down to earth, they type of guy you'd hang out with a local pub... wears black almost all the time and cowboy boots. He also does a MUCH smaller incision. Dr Vanguri comes HIGHLY recommended as he has been in the business for years and years and years... a pioneer of bariatric surgery you could say. He is more your suit and tie kind of doc. Both offices are totally overwhelmed with the sudden popularity of this procedure, mostly because of the high success from great docs like these guys that are saving lives everyday. I can't thank my doctor enough for saving mine! Aetna was great for me but I hear they have gotten tougher with their approvals. My husband had to go thru Fidelity Insurance and WHEW what a battle I had with those guys. I would thank my lucky stars to have Aetna if I were you.... but Insurance can vary depending on the employer package. In the state of Md having bariatric surgery for a small business may not be covered in their insurance package. If you work for a large corporation of employees you won't have too hard of a time. Best of luck...
   — Stacy B.

June 12, 2003
Natasha, Sweetie, read my profile.... I think it will really help you. Hugs, Karen Corkran
   — [Deactivated Member]