Question:
Will I be approved without a medically supervised diet in the last 2 years?

I am 200+ pounds overweight and have been dieting for the past 15 years or so...but in the last 2 years I don't have any documentation of a medically supervised diet. Just prior to that I had been on a medically supervised diet for 5 years. I have several comorbidities and the BTC representative still says that Aetna PPO will reject me. I have just begun a plan with my PCP taking Meridia. Will this be enough or will I have another 6 month wait for approval?    — bevon9602 (posted on October 12, 2002)

October 12, 2002
I am (or at least was *G*) 200+ pounds overweight and have not had a medically supervised diet since 1994. I have Aetna HMO and was approved with no problems whatsoever. If BTC refuses to submit your claim to the insurance company, I'd find another surgeon who will...JR (open RNY 07/17 -96 pounds)
   — John Rushton

October 12, 2002
hi yvonne,i have aetna ppo and was denied twice because of no dr. supervised diet..i am 270 lbs.,and have a lot of co morbidities(most serious being hypertension)- and they still said no..so i am now in appeals with my husband's actual insurance dept.of his company.. i have more hope now...i find it hard to believe that an insurance company can say no just because of that.. i wish you the best of luck in your journey... jeanne/ca...forever waiting.....
   — jjettrox

October 12, 2002
It is possible to be approved I have aetna ppo and have been approved with 3 months supervised. I showed five years worth obesity and a chart I made showing all the different diets I tried and how long and the results. I agree with the previous switch to someone who will submit your papers. Good luck any question feel free to email me. Alicia
   — Alicia K.

October 12, 2002
i did get approved, I NEVER HAD A DR. SUPERVISED DIET, I have done lots of diets on my own, I do have major gallstones and herniated disk in my back, but they approved me on the first try. So keep trying, what I have heard from others that doesnt or shouldnt hold you back.
   — lukimom

October 12, 2002
With 200+ and a 15 year history, you should have no problem. Especially if you have comorbidities. If they deny you the first time, you are sure to get it on appeal. Don't fret. Just persevere and you will get it. I was two years since I had a supervised diet, but the comorbidities did it for me. When they ask you how feel, don't say "fine", tell it like it is. Tell them how it feels to walk with swollen feet and a sore back. Tell them what it is like to live high blood pressure. Tell them..Tell them.. Tell them..what it is like living daily life as you and you will get approved. Good Luck!
   — Sue A.

October 12, 2002
I too took Meridia and I would just like to warn you to check out this drug. I think it is very dangerous. When I took it for about 3 months I became addicted to it and had withdrawls from it when I got off of it. Try to find some information on line about it. I found something on line once where others were having trouble with Meridia being addictive. My withdrawls consisted of bad headaches, vomiting all day long and severe bruising. Good Luck!
   — DRutherford

October 14, 2002
I would get a secon opinion. Take care with MERIDIA!! This drug is on the FDA watch list - and your PCP should have known. There have been many cases of serious side effects. I have a lawyer friend who is getting rich on Meridia suits.
   — Lin B.