My paperwork was supposed to be submitted to Aetna on January 6th but my cardiologist did not indicate that I could stop taking my blood thinners for a couple of weeks prior to surgery.

My surgeon's office said they would call him the next day; get the ok and submit the paperwork.

I called Aetna on the 13th to see how things were progressing and they said that they haven't seen the request. I figured, "oh well, maybe they couldn't reach my cardiologist."

I called Aetna again on the 20th and they still haven't seen the request. So, I call my surgeon's office and explain my concern. The receptionist tells me that the insurance specialist is out of the office "today" and that she was transferring me to her voice mail. Well, I left a message on Wednesday and it is Friday night. I still haven't heard from them.

I was in no hurry to get banded because I have been doing great on my own. However, my roommate just told me that he is moving back to nasty, disgusting, frigid, tax-you-to-death Boston in February and he is my ride to and from surgery.

I need to get this over with before he leaves.

I am self sufficient to a fault and it kills me to have to ask anybody else for a favor.

Apparently it doesn't hurt me to whine though.

You're not whining, the whole before surgery process is very frustrating. Keep on them, I discovered the doc's offices do not have the sense of urgency that we have. Good Luck!

The squeaky wheel gets the oil, call them EVERY day, and if necessary multiple times a day. You're at the stage where your file is going to get piled up on somebody's desk. Getting covered by every new file going on top of it. Call every day and make them dig it out. Be nice, but to the point, they'll have you approved within the week.

I agree with ym. I'm sure you will stay on top of it.

I know it is hard to ask others for help, but you may need to start looking for another ride .... just in case.

BT did you get a surgery date yet?