banditchic

I have Cigna too. I was submitted on Dec 8, but was denied. Cigna claimed they didn't receive the 3 month supervised diet (which they did receive), and they said that my pcp didn't provide enough documentation that I had an adequate comorbidity (which I do). My advocate sent the 3 month history again, and I got a letter from my pcp stating that this surgery would help my hyperlipidemia, which is my comorbidity, and Cigna states that hyperlipidemia is an adequate comorbidity. My advocate resubmitted all of that info on Dec 27. My advocate says she will call them by Friday if she hasn't heard from them. My Cigna asks for the exact same requirements as mommybo. Since my bmi is right at 35-36 and I only have one comorbidity (even though Cigna says you only have to have one), I'm not feeling real positive. If they deny me again, I will keep fighting....uggghhh.

My bariatric coordinator submitted everything to my insurance (Cigna) 8 days ago. I've tried to stay patient, but just can't. I called Cigna Monday, and they said it was still under review, but they should have an answer within 48 hours. Then I called yesterday, and they said the same thing except now they will have an answer within the next 5 business days...uggghhh! I'm obsessed with getting an answer, and really stressing over this. I just have to call again today. I wonder if I'm hurting or helping by calling so much? Or if it doesn't even matter? Anybody else waiting IMPATIENTLY with me?

That wasted time is frustrating. I'm sorry I feel your pain. My dr just resubmitted (I hope) more paperwork today after getting a denial. Hang in there.

YEA!!!!!!! Congrats! I'm so happy and excited for you!!!!

Congrats!!!! I am very happy for you!!!! YEA

Congrats!!! I was denied by insurance last Friday. I'm ready to go to battle, and resubmit with more documentation. I'm trying to stay hopeful I'm very happy for you!!!!! Happy Holidays!

Cigna said that I didn't submit my 3 month supervised diet either, and I absolutely did too. They are also requesting that my doctor submit a letter better supporting how this surgery will help my hyperlipidemia. Funny how they make up crap to not accept people. Soooo frustrating! My doctor is on vacation now, and will resubmit Thursday. Prayers and hugs to you.

Denied 9 times? Wow...Can you give us details? I'm glad you FINALLY made it

I'm right there with ya. I'm going to fight out this insurance thing until the end. If I lose, I will take from my 401(k) too. Not having the surgery is not an option at this point. Hoping for the best for both of us!!!

That is encouraging news! Congrats to you! Thanks for giving me hope

Oh wow...I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. What a stessful mess. Hugs!

I was denied because Cigna said that my doctor didn't provide enough support stating that the sleeve would reverse my hyperlipidemia. So I asked my dr to fax another letter to my bariatric lady stating that the sleeve would help reverse it. My bmi is 36, so I have to have that comorbidity to qualify. So, we'll see....

denied today Getting ready to meet with my bariatric coordinator to figure out the next step.

Denied My Cigna requires a bmi of 40 or a bmi of 35-39 with 1 comorbitidy. My bmi is 36, but I have urge incontinence and hyperlipidemia. Cigna said that urge incontinence didn't count, and my hyperlipidemia wasn't supported strongly enough from my doctor that the sleeve would fix it. That's crap! Cigna has my lab results stating that I have hyperlipidemia, but that's not good enough? So, I just dropped off a letter at my doctor's office asking them to fax a letter to Cigna stating that I did need the surgery to help me lower the hyperlipidemia. With everything in the news lately, and this info, I'm just sad.

My surgeon won't set a date until Cigna approves. Today was the first day that I didn't call Cigna to check my status. I'm right there with you about "going nuts". The stress of waiting is horrible. I'm guessing Cigna is waiting until Jan 1 to give me an answer so that I have to meet my full deductible again before they will pay anything. If they make me wait a full month, and then deny me, I'm gonna be REALLY pissed! Grrrrrrr!!!!! Keep me posted! Hope you hear SOON!

I did my daily call to Cigna this afternoon to find out NOTHING as usual. It's been exactly 2 weeks since I was submitted. My bariatric coordinator said it could take up to 6 weeks. I am so impatient. Keep me posted with your journeys, Cigna friends!!!

Hi jamari No news yet. I plan on doing my daily call here in a bit. Thank you very much for asking

I must admit that I am shocked at the broad spectrum of cost of this surgery. I just assumed that this surgery cost the same throughout the country until I joined this forum. Thanks for opening my eyes. I started this process in August, and am currently waiting on insurance approval. If I don't get approval, and have to end up being self pay, I will have to reconsider where to go. I'm in KS, and am going with the wls center. They charge $17,900 which includes everything for a year (including fills). But I think I'm getting ripped off after reading everyone else's price. Of all states, KS is the most expensive??? We should be the cheapest! WTHeck? I am really surprised to see that Denver is under $10,000? WOW! I guess I could make that 7 hr drive to save that much $. I know that Mexico is even cheaper than that, but I'm just not real comfortable with that even though I've read tons of success stories on here about Mexico. Just frustrated.....why does my place charge so much....uggghhhhhh.

KassieRose, I was planning on having the surgery in Overland Park. Thanks for the info on Olathe. I appreciate it.

I was submitted to Cigna last Tuesday. I am so impatient! I called Cigna today, and they told me it was still in the review process. I just have this sick feeling that they will find some reason to deny me....uggghhh.

Congrats!!! I'm still in the "waiting for approval" stage. Congrats again! How exciting!!!!

Thank you for all of the info. I've been trying to decide between the band and the sleeve, and this really has helped me make my decision for the sleeve. I hope you are still doing great. Thanks again for your honesty.

I'm waiting on insurance approval for my lapband. I went to a different dr last week who wanted me to really think about the sleeve. I was pretty sold on the lapband, but now not totally sure. I'm curious why all of you picked the lapband over the sleeve?

Missy, you've done awesome, and represent the lapband very well. I guess I want my "first try" to be my "only try". I wouldn't do the gastric bypass because I wouldn't want to reroute my organs either. But for some reason I'm ok with cutting away half of my stomach...LOL. I also like the fact that it removes the part of your stomach that produces ghrelin, which is the hormone that stimulates appetite. Yes, I totally understand that these are all "tools" to help you in your weight loss journey, and that they all take work to make them work. The sleeve is a couple of days in the hospital and more recovery time than the band. Anybody know the price difference?

Thx for all of your comments. I'm learning from all of you. Thx again!