New to the site.. Waiting for ins. approval

[angbutler0712 30]

Hi All, Wow this has been a long road. I started on my path to WLS 2 years ago. My first round didn't go so well. I am a 38-39 BMI with GERD, depression, atrial tachycardia, joint pain and non medicated hypertension (it's borderline). I went through the entire workup last year for Gastric Bypass, submitted to Aetna, denied for not having been over a 35 bmi for 2 years and lack of comorbities. I had been over a 35 bmi, but couldn't prove it because I hadn't been to the doctors. I appealed, wrote a great letter explaining all my "minor" comorbities and the reason for not providing a weight for 2007. Denied again. I spoke to a nurse at Aetna and she pretty much told me that I'd have to wait until 2011 to redo my workup to have the 2 years of weight history. She also said that I didn't have the "major" comorbities that Aetna requires.

I have now just completed my second workup, this time for lapband. The only difference in this workup is that I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my back. I am still a 39bmi.

My packet was faxed to Aetna today. I'm on pins and needles.

Being denied the first time CRUSHED me. I told myself I'd never do this again.. but once May 2011 rolled around and I was still battling my weight.. I thought, well.. I have nothing to lose.

Has anyone here been approved with "minor" comorbities with a bmi under 40?

I had a sleep apnea test, negative. I had a stress echo, no heart disease. I do not have diabetes.. i'm borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol, but since it's not medically controlled.. doesn't count.

Fingers are crossed.. My surgeons office said they should be in touch in a couple days since Aetna moves pretty fast with their paperwork.

Thank you!

Angela