tbooker

Hi, Do you have Cigna through your job or is it a personal policy? Only because I had Cigna through work and a day before I was scheduled for surgery - Yes, I said the day before - all pre-op tests were completed and I was on my all liquid diet - my surgery was cancelled. I discovered, lliterally 12 hours before I was due in the hospital, the corporation l work for does not cover any type of weight-loss surgery. I should explain, my doctor's office did receive the preapproval letter from CIGNA and with the pre-approved letter in hand, I went to all the necessary doctors to for clearance. That included a cardiologist , pulmonologists, gastroenterologist for an upper G.I. and the nutritionist. After I receiving clearance the completed packet was again submitted to CIGNA for a final aproval and that's when I found out that my company doesn't cover weight-loss surgery. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, it was horrible to go through and it was a huge disappointment. My suggestion would be to get a copy of your works policy (or personal policy) and read what procedures are covered. The policy will stipulate if weight-loss surgeries are included. It also depends on what state you live in. Certain states are required by law to cover weight-loss surgeries. Unfortunately for me, it is not a law for corporations in the state of New Jersey to cover weight-loss surgeries. The good news is I got married to a government employee, switched to my husband's insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield and had my surgery on July 11, 2012. I hope you receive great news for CIGNA and you do not have the experience that I did in 2010. Good luck, T

Hi All, I am a licensed cosmetologist and before you get upset with your hair loss, on average you lose anywhere from 80 to 100 strands of hair per day that's normal. If you are losing more than that 100 per day it will taper off. Surgery is shock to the body and this can be a side effect make sure you continue taken your Multivitamin. And yes, it will grow back! Smile, T

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I'm going to try and look at this as something positive. I'm on solid foods now so I make sure I chew, chew, chew, I have taken extreme measures on portion control and a stop eating as soon as l feel full. My Dr is one of the best gastro guys in the NY/NJ area and he feels that I can be successful. It's just the thought of knowing there is a possibility that I may have to go through this again was discouraging. I agree with a lot of what a lot of people have posted and like I said l am going to try and stay positive. Thank you all again, T

No, I started with mushy food after 10 days without any problem. I'll be six weeks post op tomorrow but I've been eating pretty much anything I want without incident and in moderation of course. I'm going to stop by the office today and I will ask for a copy of my reports. I have no idea as to what size bougie was used. I think that information will be good to have. Thanks!

Thanks for the quick response. That's what I thought. I didn't think it could be performed twice. Plus, I can't imagine my insurance company approving it, again. Thx Tara

Hi All, I had my first post op appointment yesterday since my staples and drain were removed. During my appointment I told the doctor that I really didn't feel much different. He explained to me that because of my anatomy he wasn't able to get as "close" as he would've liked. He said that we are not out of options just yet because I could always get re-sleeved ? As you can imagine this was very disheartening. Has this happened to anyone else, I can't imagine going through surgery twice. I don't regret the decision I made to have the surgery but so far my experience has not been fun. Unfortunately, right after surgery I ended up with pneumonia and was readmitted for an additional five days. The problem with my anatomy is a result from a MVA that required exploratory surgery 20 yrs ago leaving me with severe scar tissue making my Sleeve surgery difficult. My procedure took over 3 1/2 hrs to be completed and my abdomen looks like I'd been shot 9 times with all the incisions. My Dr made ever attempt to completed the surgery and remove as much scar tissue as possible - for that I am grateful but l have to admit I am very, very upset. I am afraid that I will not be successful and it will take me much longer to loose the weight.

Thank you. I was worried the surgery wasn't successful after reading other people's stories. And I have myself convinced that I have already stretched my stomach.

Hello l had my surgery 17 days ago and it doesn't feel like my stomach is smaller. I had liquid for the first few days then moved to yogurt and cottage cheese and just last night l was able to eat Chinese lo mein. Today I had two slices of rye bread, all without incident. Has anyone else felt this way?