Longleggs

When I originally started to consider the lap band surgery I figured I would call the most popular place out there (in my area, the 1-800-GET-THIN) and let them direct me to the appropriate place. They went ahead and checked my insurance and told me I was "pre-approved". Now 8 months later, been through 4 sleep tests, EGD, blood tests galore, 6 months of dietary counseling, and minus a gal-bladder. This past weekend I got a denial letter saying that my surgery was not medically necessary, which I got a bit irritated with because how can a person sitting behind a desk that is only seeing 6 months of history know what I need? Then yesterday to my surprise I get another letter of denial letting me know that I can not have the surgery because the doctor is out of network! Shouldn't the folks over at the center for weight loss seen that when I originally came in and "pre-approved" me? I am fustrated to a level that I am ready to call it quits and just go on the rest of my life being super obese and die at an early age of heart disease or cancer like my parents. I need words of encouragement or advice of some kind PLEASE!!!!!!

I am so thankful for everyones advice and especially the information on the 1-800-GET-THIN scam artists! I have called them and requested all of my medical records be sent. They are being a bit difficult but I do have a fabulous laywer and I doubt they want a call from him. I am now going to call my insurance company and have them give me the name of someone in network that will hopefully consider everything I have already been through. I will keep everyone posted!

When I decided to have the surgery my husband freaked out! He likes larger women and told me that he wouldnt be physically attracted to me if I lost too much weight. I went back and forth with him yet he still refused to accept it until ... a neighbor lost her husband to heart disease recently. He not only left behind his wife but a 14 year old daughter. Sitting through the funeral and reception he was able to see how much being over weight and unhealthy affected everyone. We went home later that evening and told me that no matter what I had to do as long as it meant me getting healthy and being able to grow old together is what mattered. I assured him that I would always be a larger woman (standing at 6'1") with plenty of curves for his liking. Make sure you let your hubby know that this is a choice not only for your self-esteem but it is a choice to spend a long life with him!

Strongly suggest going through insurance! A co-morbity that you could have and not know is sleep apnea. The time that it takes to get approved you can also do a ton of research and prepare yourself. Slow and steady wins the race

Hi Beautiful-B, I too have a problem with my thyroid and am prescribed 125mcg per day. Initially it took several rounds of blood tests and different mcg's to figure out how much I should be taking and how often. The process of leveling out my thyroid took a good 5-6 months. I can honestly tell you I felt no difference in the way I felt early on however, now I can really tell when I dont take my medication. I would urge you to press on and continue taking the pills because it is only helping you (even if you dont feel the difference). As far as not hearing from your doctor ... SHOW UP at the office, they will have no choice but to give you the information you need. Keep pushing!!!!

Momof3inOC...Which hospital are you getting your surgery? I couldnt find anything in Orange County

I was reading here yesterday that Cigna changed their policy to 3 months of dietary appointments from the previous 6 month requirement. I called my surgery consultant and he not only didnt believe me but emphatically said it wasn't true. I went online and grabbed the policy information on bariatric surgery which shows a change that took place last month (May) and emailed that off to him. I am yet to hear back ... I am on an extremely tight time scale with my surgery and getting the insurance approval sooner would make things so much easier. It just seems like the folks over at my surgery center dont want to go the extra mile. I am so frustrated!!!!! Does anyone have any further information on Cigna's policy change on bariatric surgery?

I am on the 6 month deal and on month two with Cigna OAP (California). I have attended a few appointments with a RD and she hasnt mentioned anything about any amount of weight that needs to be lost. I am pretty certain that if that was a requirement it would of certainly been brought up before month 5. I would just take a few deep breathes and roll with the punches.

Congrats and best wishes for a speedy two weeks!

Indeed! Crazy is my middle name I just feel worthless if I can't get to work. Plus if I take an extended amount of time off the work just piles up so I will be buried when I come back...ehhh, no thanks! I will catch up on the cooking shows and reality TV after an 8 hour day (as i plan on doing zero overtime).

LMAO! That's great!

Crazy you ask about healing time...I am scheduled for gal bladder surgery this Thursday and plan on returning to work on Friday. Everyone says I am nuts and my boss threatened to lock me out of the office but I really feel like a loser if I dont make it to work. I just might have to kick him in his knee caps if he trys locking the door As far as time off for the band surgery...From what I have been researching it is so minimally invasive I am comfortable saying that I will plan the surgery for a Thursday or Friday and try to return to work on the following Monday. Also, things are so wild around the house I tend to get more rest at work Absolutly keep in touch! It is always great to have a support system other then my husband and kids. I havent told any of my friends as they all have negative things to say about weight loss surgery.

Hi PrettyFace! I too am begining my weight loss journey ... a bit further south than Portland, actually closer to your home town of San Diego. I currently live in Orange County California and am looking to have my surgery sometime in the summer of this year. Right now I have already done the inital consult, EKG, Endoscopy, blood work, and thankfully made it past the two sleep studies. Scheduled to have my gal bladder removed on Thursday 1/26/12. I have a 6 month waiting period with my insurance company (Cigna OAP) and basically that started about two weeks ago. Current weight of 301 (the biggest ever) lbs 6'1" and incredibly active with a full time job (usually work about 6 days a week 12 hr shifts), three kids, two dogs, two snakes, and a really loving but needy husband I dont normally eat a ton of Snacks or even tear up the buffet, I think my biggest issue is eating unhealthy fast food places because I lead such a busy life. This entire process has been a whirlwind since I decided to make the call and at sometimes find myself wanting to back out of it because I am unsure I have made the right decision. I am ALWAYS second guessing myself! Enough of my story...I do want to wish you the best and hope to keep in touch as I would really like to see how your doing since your surgery is scheduled about 3-4 months before mine.