Question:
Hello again to all? Anyone out there been approved by Aetna after 1st denial?

Despite my submission of a detailed letter chronicling my diet attempts, co-morbidities, etc., Aetna denied my appeal today because I have not been on any medically supervised diets. After I was calm enough to speak to an Aetna rep--and only after asking repeatedly for this information--I was told that I should go on a 500-calorie-per-day, physican-supervised diet for up to 9 months (helpfully, they will pay for 12 weeks of this treatment), after which they "may" (or may not, they admitted) review my case again. I've already contacted the people at obesitylaw.com for help with this absurd request. (BTW, one of my co-morbidities is infertility. My fertility specialist recommended that I have this surgery before my husband and I pursue any further attempts to conceive. Unfortunately, we've been trying for years already and I'm already 38, so time is an issue. Anyone else out there think this is outrageous? I don't think I'm alone here...)    — Lidya W. (posted on November 21, 2000)

November 21, 2000
hello, I also have aetna, aetna is very strict on the rules for wls, although they seem to be the easier to get wls thru, but you must meet their critera, which one is that you be on a medical supervised diet, let me give you a hint to that in which your doctor should of told you from the start, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie, they usually do not check, but if they did , well that doctor retired, or that doctor is no longer in business do you get the point, it may be to late right now but, wait a few months and try again, or come up with a diet that you did thru a doctor, do you know of anyone that could help you achieve this, lie. lie lie
   — [Anonymous]

December 15, 2003
I was denied on appeal by Aetna. I have too many co-morbidities to list and couldn't believe they could play with my life this way. I really gave the customer service woman a hard time, but after I calmed down and reviewed the situation, I knew I had to follow their protocol. So, I have just completed my 6 months of physician monitored diet and was also on xenecal (didn't work). My surgeon's office is submitting all my infor to Aetna as if this is the first request since it's been over a year since the last. As soon as I hear back I'll let folks know what happened.
   — Julie S.