Getting My Feet Wet!

Hello Everyone, I had my initial visit with Dr. John Price at St. Luke's Hospital, in Kansas City, MO yesterday afternoon.  Very nice man.  Staff is attentive and kind.  Met some nice ladies in the waiting room that told me not to go for the Lap-Band but for the bypass.  I didn't want much in the way of down time and be off work for several weeks, and I was concerned about gut issues.   By the way, I have Aetna Choice POS II.  I have several comorbidities and I'm hoping they will cover the surgery.  I had the requested medical questionaire completed; a copy of my medical record from five years back; reports, labs, tests, and so on.  It would be my guess that I will need to do the 90-day weight managed plan prior to surgery.   I have set up a psychologist visit for next week and will obtain a letter from that physician.  I just need to meet with my PCP and obtain a medical clearance from her for surgery. I intend to make the appointment for the dietician and exercise physiologist today.   Any other tips or information you can pass my way regarding Aetna Choice POS II insurance or things I need to have lined up or expect? Thank you all for your ongoing support and sharing of information! Donna

Donna welcome to the board. good to have newbies all the time on here. Ive been around forever it seems, my name is Jan ,im the old mother hen of the bunch lol  as far as down time with the RNY there really isnt that much down time to it.  I got out of the hospital on the 2 day and was weeding in my garden 3 days later.  If i had had an office job i could have gone back to work in a week and only that long because i was sleepy a lot , not in pain at all.  Dont know anything about your insurance but im sure that there is someone out here that does have. Good luck and keep comeing to the board. and if you would like an Angel let us know ok? 

go to this link for Aetna's policy on Bariatric Surgery for the POS II plan. http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0157.html Looks like they just changed it on 2/8/08 Good luck

Thanks there CD.  I had been watching the Aetna site as I knew the revision would be coming up.  I have reviewed it and it's nearly the same verbage with some minor changes.   I decided not to change PCPs.  I'm seeing mine on Mon. to talk to her about writing the letter that I'm medically sound to have surgery.  Awaiting a call back from the dietician for an appt. and then I've got a psyc appt. next Sat. and I'll have her write me a letter for the eval.  I've just about got everything lined up.  I'm leaning more toward the band.  I'd like to lose about 80 lbs.  Then, I'll be set up for the 90-day program unless insurance thinks that the medical record notes and tests are proof enough. I'm jumping through all the requested hoops. I certainly appreicate all of your advice.   Donna