Three Month Preparation Anyone?

settebee · May 26, 2010

Hi all!I am currently going through a three month preparation for the Band with Aetna! I am super excited and a little nervous! Has any gone through the process it? What was the whole process like? Thanks in advance. :smile2:

MaggieB · May 27, 2010

I just completed mine - it was more like 5 months by the time I completed all of the requirements.

Pysch eval - Met with a doctor and he asked me several questions about my thoughts, feelings, knowledge of WLS, my eating habits etc. I also had to take a 400 question personality test.

sleep study - Went in around 10pm, felt like I was covered in wires, very difficult to sleep - infact I never went into REM sleep. Out the door at 5am. They called me about a week later stating I had sleep apnea and had to go back to be fitted for CPAP machine. 2nd visit same as the first - went in around 10pm, hooked me up with all the electrodes, tried several types of masks, then went to sleep - this time I actually felt like I slept. Out the door by 5am. Got a call a few days later to come and learn/pick up the CPAP machine.

3 month nutritionist visits - met with a nutritionist every month for 3 months. Quick appointments - went over nutrition requirements, staying hydrated, pre & post op diet, just basic eating healthy info. Given info on WLS support groups in the area.

4 months of doctor supervised "diet" - Basically same info given to me at nutritionist appointment. I was weighed at this appointment and because my BMI is right at 40 I was basically told not to lose or gain any weight during this 4 month period. The doctor gave me more info regarding WLS, I would get samples of different Protein shakes etc & she would answer any questions I might have. Very quick appointments usually in/out within 15 minutes.

I had my last of my 4 month doctor visits on 4/28. The office submitted my info on 4/30. Aetna received my info 5/11. I was approved by Aetna 5/18. Recieved written approval from Aetna on 5/24. Heard from doctors office on 5/25 - preop scheduled 6/1, start my liquid preop diet 6/7, have final appointment with surgeon 6/8 and surgery is scheduled 6/10.

settebee · May 28, 2010

Wow! Sweet, simply and easy! Thanks!! :rolleyes:

I don't know if I have to have a sleep study. No one said anything to me about, and it's not in my paperwork. I hope I don't bc they seem no fun.

I went in May 5th and talked to the insurance specialist and 30 minutes after I left she emailed me my 2 appointments. Each appointment I see the dr, fitness guy and nutritionist, so I'm guessing I'll find out more after my first appointment. :rolleyes:

Thanks again for the insight! :ohmy: