Aetna Conversion from Lap band to RNY

I had lap band surgery in 2007 and I lost very little weight  I am heavier today than I was when I first got the lap band.  I am seeking a conversion to a RNY.  When I read the clinical policy bulletin and speak with friends who have had the same thing done.  It doesn't appear that you have to repeat the 3 month supervised diet.  Does anyone have experience or knowledge about this?  I am trying to have my surgery in December and don't want to do the 3 month diet if I don't have to.  

Call Aetna and ask them.  I know for Cigna yes you have to do everything over again everything.

I had to jump though the hoops with Tricare as well.  Principal Insurance paid for my band and Tricare requirement at the time was 6 months physician supervised with out help from medical device or surgery..so I had my band removed and started my 6 month program.

Depends on the program. It's only three months in the long run compared to 7 years with the Crapband.... (my revision was 20 months ago).

I have Aetna. And no, I did not have to redo the 3 month diet or any nutrition  classes or anything to get my sleeve to rny revision approved. All I had done was the endoscopy because the surgeon needs that info to submit for approval.  I had my endoscopy September 22, got approval less than two weeks later and am scheduled for rny october 27. Good luck!!

Thanks everyone.  I sent my surgeon's office an email with my concerns.  I am having an abdominal ultrasound Saturday and waiting on the date for the endoscopy.  Hopefully they can submit once those tests are done.

Hi I have Aetna they want to see some weight lose diet that you have done it doesn't have to be in the last 3 months. I started my process got approved and had my surgery in less than 30 days it was super fast for me. The only test I had was my pre op.

My surgery was 9/15/2014

Good luck

Hi midiva,

Im going through same issue now. I had lap band in 2009 and want to convert to gastric sleeve. As off 11/2014, aetna policy has been revised to include conversion from lap band to another surgery. Just wanted to follow up with you about your process and if 3 month follow up was needed prior to approval? What did you need to submit for approval?