Need Band Replacement * Aetna POS * Dr. Billy

[want2beme 2]

Hi. I was banded Aug 27, 2007 by Dr. Lopez in Mexico. A year later, I have a slipped band... or as one doctor tells me I do and another tells me I don't... Anyway, I was a cash payment and I am going to have Aetna through my new employer starting in Jan.

The research I've done so far is this:

1) No waiting period

2) $2000 for out of pocket expense for In Network Doctor

3) $4000 for out of network

4) Found out what 'reasonable and customary' really means

5) Doctor Billy says aetna pts usually pay about $3500 out of pocket.

My questions:

1) How long will it take for authorization in my situation?

2) Are there any NEW bands out that I should be looking into getting. (currently have the 4cc Inamad, billy says he wants me to have the 10cc J&J)

3) What diet should I be doing now that I have a slipped band and have to diet as a normal person!

My stats:

Starting weight: 255 Dec 2006

Before Surgery: 236 Aug 2007

Lowest: 152 Sept 2008

Now: 168......... and getting scared!

I'll take any and all advice!

Thanks,

Dana