jenleigh526

Congrats on your approval! I also have Aetna and I am currently going through the process to be approved. (the 3 month presurgery prep program) How long did it take from beginning your journey to approval? My goal is before the end of the year as I have met my deductible through Aetna, maybe a stretch but we will see how it all works out.

How did you decide on your surgeon? There are several in the Nashville area that I am considering for one reason or another but I just don't know who to pick... I am hoping to have my surgery by the end of the year so would it make more sense to go with a surgeon who didn't use a hospital but rather a surgery center? I talked to the one hospital where I have been to their consultation and staff told me it would be possible to have surgery this year but no guarantee as my 90 day program would complete in early November. Cost is important because I must pay 10% (90 - 10 plan)... But if I wait until next year I have to pay the deductible again. Any recommendations/help would be appreciated,

I went today to have my free initial consultation with 1 of 2 groups I intend to go to their seminars before deciding on a surgeon. (Baptist & Vanderbilt if any of you are from Nashville) The initial consult just basically gives you info before the seminar and what you must do to get approved. I have Aetna insurance that requires either a 6 month weight loss program or a 90 day prep for surgery program. After reading some of the literature, I have some questions that I need to resolve and hoping this group can help guide me. I have been over 40 BMI for at least 5 years. 19 months ago I had a baby. I don't go to a PCP regularly as I don't get sick often. I do go for my annual gyno visits. (and they check weight, tell me to lose weight etc. ) If I am sick I typically go to the minute clinic. Amazingly for a 45.3 BMI, I am healthy but my concern is in the long run, I know I am at high risk for diabetes, heart disease, etc. as it is in my family and during my pregnancy I developed gestational diabetes and hypertension. (Luckily the diabetes went away postpartum) My biggest question, do I need to go get a PCP just to have them refer to me a surgeon and give their blessing for this surgery? Or do most centers have staff who will follow you for the 90 day surgery prep? Do you think there will be a problem with my weight history if two of the last years included a time when I was pregnant? Thanks in advance for your help. I intend to call and ask more questions tomorrow so I can decide what next... jenn