girly831

I also have Aetna, and I went thru the same thing. I have boderline BMI of 35, but I also have 3 comorbities and was denied. Already contacted obesitylaw.com for help but have not heard from them yet. I hope they can help me get approved. Who paid for it? I'm not sure who Allergan is. Thanks for any info. I have Aetna, for me they required 3mo supervised diet and 2 years history of being over 40bmi which I didn't have So i was denied twice. Had to enlist the big boys at obesitylaw.com for help (the surgeon's office told me about them and Allergan footed the bill) They were the nicest folks and after two appeals, I was finally approved! woohoo Good Luck!!!

Surgery is scheduled for August 10. Anyone from the Allentown, PA area?

I've been denied by Aetna and would appreciate any help-you can email me @ christine_gicking@glic.com. thanks I bought something online that helps get you through the insurance approval and also helps you keep track of who you spoke to and when, etc. If you want a copy sent to your e-mail, post it and I'd be happy to send it to you. I hate for anyone to have to pay $50 for it, when I bought it and can share the information!!!

[Did you get approval from insurance yet? I'm in the same boat as you, borderline BMI. I've already been denied by Aetna 2 times. I'm still hopeful I will be approved by the end of the year. So frustrating!!!

Thanks for the info on obesitylaw.com. I sent a request to them today to help with my appeal. How long did it take start to finish for you. This will be by second appeal. I just don't understand how they can deny when 2 dr's say this is crucial to my health. Congratulations to everyone that was approved. I have Aetna and was denied. the denial was uphelp in the first and second level appeal by Aetna. It was so stressful. The final appeal is an independent external review process. This is where the decision goes out to an independent doctor not associated with the insurance company who will decide based upon the information provided if the patient meets the standards published by NIH and other medical groups. Mine did and the decision by Aetna was overturned. The entire process took almost 10 months and was SO stressful. All of my appeals were done with the help of http://www.obesitylaw.com It cost me nothing and Kelley is the BEST !! She called me 2 days before I was going to Disney to tell me the good news. She even offered to give me passes to Disneyland that they use to take out the employees in the office each year. Unfortunately I was going to Disney World in FL so I couldn't use the passes. She was so nice I decided I would tell everyone who was having issues with approval about them. They provide an awesome service to people who could really use help. I believe her husband Walter had both Gastric bypass and a Lapband revision later on. Good Luck to anyone having to deal with Aetna.

I also have Aetna, but was denied. I am appealing, but wasn't told anything about a nurse handling my case. When I call the reps are not helpful at all. I faxed my appeal to the expedited line and left a message 3 times now with no response. They are supposed to let you know within 72 hrs. This is really stressful and I am praying they approve me. I was scheduled for August 10. Approved!!! I'm so excited. It only took 5 days! I wish the same for everyone else that is WAITING.... So stressful!

Has anyone been denied by Aetna, filed an appeal and they approved the surgery? Just wondering how good my chances are of getting approved after denial. I've already started the ball rolling with asking my Dr to submit a Medical Necessity statement.

Congrats!! Wish I had gotten that same call. Starting Appeal process with Medical Necessity Letter from family doctor. I hope it gets approved this time-very disappointed.

I found this great stuff...powdered Peanut Butter. It's called PB2, you can only order it online. Try Lindasdietdelites.com, they have it for $3.99. It has about 80% less fat, sugar and calories per serving. It tastes great and you can you it for lots of recipes including in shakes. Any shake combos you have come up with? Partial to peanut butter and bananas here. Read a coffee one on the boards here that sounds delish....looking for any ideas~ Appreciate any you can post....THANKS!