Question:
First available appointment with surgeon 6 months away; what do I do in the meantime?

I met with my PCP today and he is 100% supportive of WLS for me. He even made an appointment with a bariatric surgeon for consultation, but the first available appointment is in March 2004! My insurance (Aetna US Healthcare PPO) states that I must have 6 months doctor supervised diet and visit to nutritionist. I have been seeing my doctor off and on for 4 years about my weight, so I think I'll meet the 6 months criteria but not sure. While I'm waiting for consultation, should I continue to see PCP about diet and monthly weigh-ins and also get referral to a nutritionist? I heard Aetna is diffult to get approval from and as long as I'm waiting, thought I might make sure I've done everything I can to insure approval.    — Amelia L. (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
Definitely do a monthly weigh in and see the nutritionist right away so it will count to kick off the six months. On and off for 4 years isn't the same as six continuous months within the past year. Make sure your doc knows you are coming monthly so he can mention in his notes "patient is here for her monthly nutrition/weight management visit" or something like that.
   — bethybb

October 6, 2003
Do the six month medically supervised diet now just to be safe! The insurance companies are getting very strict and people are getting denied this surgery left and right.
   — Kara J.

October 6, 2003
Here is the Aetna Coverage Policy Bulletin on surgery for morbid obesity: <p> http://www.aetna.com/cpb/data/CPBA0157.html <p> Go there, print it off and take it to your PCP so you can meet everything that Aetna is laying out for requirements for your surgery...JR
   — John Rushton

October 6, 2003
I had to wait 4 months for my appt. I would start on any criteria that you might need to meet just incase. Research all that you can, I bought books, read the internet, attended local meetings, you name it! Good Luck, It will be here before you know it!
   — Saxbyd

October 6, 2003
You've gotten some good advice so far. I would also like to add... read as much as you can, document anything and everything that deals with your weight including comorbids, and meet with others especially those using the same doctor. I had to wait 5 1/2 months for my first consult and was glad that I had prepaired before hand. Btw I love Tahrea's advice! Since I've decided to wait until Jan for surgery I plan on enjoying every bit of the holiday foods! :o) Good luck with everything and try to just enjoy the next few months that way they will fly by in no time.
   — Renee A.

October 6, 2003
Amelia, the only things I wanted to add to the already excellent advice, was that you can get your doc to contact the surgeons office again and see is they can overbook you. this is what the assistant at my surgeons office offered for advice to get my sister in sooner. You could also try calling the office occasionally and see if there are any cancellations. If there are you could be moved up. My appt. was moved from november to july. and now I am scheduled for surgery on the 23rd of this month. Good luck. Lisa (lap/rny 10-23-03)
   — Lisa H.

October 7, 2003
Excellent advise so far making sure you meet your insurance's requirements. No disappointments 6 months from now because you didn't know what you were supposed to do. As far as the waiting time, 6 months will fly by. Join support groups near home, join on-line groups, read all the information on wls that you can find. Eat your favorite foods. Try to relax and live your life. My wait time was about 3 years because that is just the way it is here for all of us wanting wls. Check out my profile :) It's all worth the wait.
   — mary ann T.

October 7, 2003
If you find out you already meet the criteria for surgery, you might consider trying to find another surgeon. You could also contact your surgeon's office and tell them you already meet the criteria and don't want to wait that long. Ask them if they know another surgeon with a shorter wait. That might prompt them to get you in sooner. Good luck!
   — Kimberly S.