MicheleK

Hi Debbie, If it's excluded, I'm not sure how you can force them to pay. I know there are several policies that exclude weight loss surgery. From my standpoint I don't know why insurance companies do this, as they save money in the long run not paying for the horrible health risks that people like us face daily. There are some finance options out there that are available. You might want to check them out and see if any can fit in your budget. As far as money goes, I know the feeling in these days and times it's tough to come up with that kind of cash. I hope you're able to figure something out that works for you!

Haha this thread is awesome! I don't know how I missed it before.

I've told everyone I know that I'm waiting on approval for surgery. I do mean EVERYONE. So far, I've been lucky, I haven't received any negative responses. In fact, when I told the girl at my sleep study I was having it done she wanted more information so I sent her here! I'm very proud of the fact that I'm making a change for the better in my life. I'm taking more control of myself then a lot of other people are willing to do (skinny and heavy). Everyone is different, if you're not the type of person to share personal experience with others, then don't. But, please if you run into someone obese and they ask for advice, do tell them....you could reach out and possibly save someone's life. That's how I found out about lap band was from a lady at work that had it done. I'll always be thankful she shared her story with me.

That's really cool! What a neat reference to have for later.

I'm a little confused....my Aetna plan covers Lap Band, no problem...they also cover RNY, but not both on the same patient. Obviously, I've decided to go with Lap Band...my confusion is this... Aetna will only cover ONE WLS surgery the life of the plan, no problem there...I understand that. However, today when I was speaking to a rep from Aetna I asked, "what if my band goes bad, or something happens to it? Will you guys pay to fix it?". Her answer was, that they will pay for any medical complications that arise from the WLS I choose. I'm confused....if my band goes bad, or if my port flips or, I spring a leak...are they going to pay for fixing/possibly replacing my band? Or will they just say "take it out" and that's it??? I don't get it, and she really didn't explain further.

YAY! Thanks for the info guys :thumbs_up: I'll check on that letter today.

I'm so sorry for all you're going through...my ex-husband was a horrible alcoholic. His "whore" was whiskey, he was abusive and terrible I finally got the courage to leave him, and it was the best thing I've ever done. (I kept wishing he's find a mistress...but, nobody else wanted him either!) I want you to know that I'm praying for your situation. I really hope that either way it goes, it's the best for YOU. I realize children are involved, but please don't stay in an unhappy marriage for only the children's benefit. They will know you're miserable regardless of how much you try to hide the fact. As far as calling the other woman's husband...please think long and hard about it. People are nuts, and quite frankly if she was crazy enough to call your BOSS she might be crazy enough to do something else. I just don't want you to put yourself or your family at risk. Take care.

My Aetna plan covers everything, but all plans are not the same. Call your insurance company so there won't be any surprises!

Grats on your surgery date!!! I can hardly wait for mine...

You're right...tomorrow is my 35th Birthday...might as well give myself a gift and stop now. I hope I can do it. (I didn't take your post as mean, just honest, thanks, I needed a little kick in the ass)

Thanks for the response Gone :embaressed_smile: Yes, he knows I smoke. He requires I quit for 2 wks prior to surgery (should be a lot of fun). I'm trying to quit now on my own, as Chantrix gives me HORRIBLE nightmares. I've cut down a lot but I still haven't stopped completely.

lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL! Can't wait...

This post was an eye opener. I never thought of this...I'm sure this is an issue for a lot of bandsters. Seriously, that has to be weird for the spouse, especially if they don't adjust quickly to change. I guess I can see how it would be hard for someone used to being married to a 300lb person...all of a sudden being married to a 150lb person. Let's face it, even if you have a lot of admirers at a larger size (and I know plenty of women that do) you'll have even MORE at a smaller size. Anyway, that's gotta be a tough spot for you guys, I mean it's enough to deal with your own changes...but trying to help the person you live with adjust too has to be a real pain.

Why would people be mean in the chatroom? WTF!!

My entire life revolves around planning meals and what I'm eating next....believe me I know how you feel. I'm glad you've made a step in the right direction to improve your health and your life. :tt1: We can do this! Let us know how the surgery goes...I'm nervous about mine and I'm not even approved yet...lol :tt1:

I just finished my Aetna diet...thank God! It's annoying but if it gets it paid for, it's worth it. :tt1: I'm on pins and needless now waiting for approval. They used to require a 5 year weight history also...thankfully it's only 2 years now. Oh, and I also found out today that they don't require a psych exam unless you've been under a doc's care for more then mild depression (not sure if that's new or not).

Aetna required a 3 month diet for me. I went to the nutritionist 4 times and just got the paperwork submitted today. It sucks having to wait, especially since I've spent pretty much the last 15 years doing nothing but dieting off and on, lol. Hang in there! It'll be worth it...it just sucks waiting especially when you have issues needing to be handled.

Wow you are one beautiful young woman. Your success is an inspiration!! Sorry you had to go through the PB stuff...that's one of my worst fears about being banded.

Wow Donna, your post really touched me, I saw a lot of myself in it. Weight problems go so much deeper then people give credit for. I've stopped going to church, heck I've even questioned God, my faith and everything I've believed my whole life. I know most of this insecurity and uncertainty comes from my weight. I've never been like this before.

I know exactly how you feel. It's normal to feel stress, it sounds like you have a lot of life changes coming your way. You're going to be just fine!! (BTW, grats on picking something decent to "binge" on, lol) Veggie Tray > Cake :thumbup:

Just wanted to pop in and offer my support. I don't have a date yet, but I have some of the same fears as you guys do. You're making a great decision for your health/life. I'll keep you all in my prayers for a smooth recovery. Be sure and tell us how your surgeries went!

I just wanted to pop in and say you guys are an inspiration. To make such intelligent decisions at such a young age...I don't know if I would've been capable of that at your age. Congrats on taking control of your lives! Keep up the good work! :thumbup:

Seriously, being policed over food choices would be totally counter-productive for me. Sorry you're going through that...and for the most part (especially in your DH's case) people are honestly trying to help. I'd just let them know that kind of help...doesn't really help at all.

Cheesecake Factory is EVIL...EVIL, EVIL.... I can't even go within 10miles of that place. Thank god the only one is clear across town. I can't believe you resisted the cheesecake....LJM you are officially superwoman...