Ciaobella

Thanks, Rachael. My name is Maria. I'm very excited and nervous too. My life will be drastically different, but I want to be healthy so I can keep up with my boys (ages 6 and 1). I turned 40 in May and this is my birthday present to myself. :-)

Hi everyone! I'm having my surgery September 10. I started my journey in August 2011. I completed all of my requirements in April 2012 and my insurance denied me in June 2012 because the hospital my doctor used was not recognized as a Center of Excellence by Cigna even though it was by other insurances. So, I started over with a new doctor in June 2012 and got my approval last week on the first submission. I actually am really happy I had to switch doctors as I LOVE my new doctor and the hospital I'll be at in San Diego is much better than my local one. Four more weeks! September's going to be a new beginning for many of us!!

I, too, had to have an abdominal ultrasound. It's a routine pre-op test. My surgery date is September 10. I have to do a two week pre-surgery diet, but I get some normal food too. I have to do shakes, but I can have one high protein, low carb meal a day or spread out the real food throughout the day. Every doctor has different requirements, but they will tell you what you can/can't have.

Good luck tomorrow! Let us know how it goes. :-)

Good luck tomorrow! Let us know how it goes. :-)

Hi Amanda. Welcome! I started off wanting the lap band, but after learning more about the different surgeries and hearing the relatively few success stories with lap band vs. bypass, I was sold on bypass. I want the option that gives me the greatest chance for success. Most people I've spoken with have regretted the lap band and several eventually had gastric bypass surgery. Everyone's different though and we all have different reasons for choosing what to have done. I recommend doing you research and don't have surgery until you are 100% comfortable with your decision. :-)

I'm having surgery on September 10 and only my husband and one coworker know (she had surgery several years ago)...and well, all of you! :-). I will have to tell people eventually when they see me eating like a bird especially at work, but I don't want any negativity until it's done!

I had to have everything done and have insurance approval before I got a date (September 10). I've also seen people on here that got dates early then had to change them because they didn't get insurance approval in time. I wouldn't want that disappointment. Don't rush it. It will all work out in time. Just KNOW all of your requirements and complete them exactly how your insurance wants them. I had to change doctors and go through the process twice because my first doctor's office ignored a BIG requirement even though I told them (hospital had to be a center of excellence for Cigna, not the doctor). Second doctor (and different hospital) has been a blessing in disguise and smooth sailing! Hang in there!

Very exciting! Try not to stress about it. I'm sure you'll be fine and you will know what to do when the time comes. Good luck!!

Yeah!! Double check to make sure you have all of the other requirements too. They slightly changed as well, but nothing too major. Now your medical doctor not only has to clear you, but also RECOMMEND you for surgery. You will also need an evaluation/letter from a nutritionist. Don't give Cigna any chance to deny you and keep us posted! Cigna will call your surgeon with the approval before you get your letter. :-))

No doubt without God, this process would have driven me crazy. I was reminded when i had to switch doctors that I'm not the one in control. His plan is so much greater. I was frustrated with the office staff of my first doctor, but EVERYTHING has been smooth sailing with my new doctor and I love him! Now I have to figure out what protein shakes to get, vitamins, etc. because I only have 4 short weeks to go!!

Hello! This is my first post, but I've been reading up for about a week now. A little about me...I turn 40 later this month and I can't remember a time that I wasn't overweight. I wasn't always obese, but could always stand to lose weight. Over the years, I have dieted my way to obesity. My story is not unique...I, like most of you, have tried so many diets including Fen Phen, WW, HMR, Jenny Craig, Atkins, exercise, B12/6 injections, etc. Sure I've lost weight, but it has always come back...plus some. For years, I said I would NEVER do WLS. Yep, never say never! Today, here I am praying for insurance approval. I have Cigna PPO and have fulfilled all of their requirements including 6 mos medically supervised weight management (actually since Oct 2011) and i attend the monthly support group even though it's not required. I'm concerned because I'm seeking approval based on a BMI of 40-41 with no comorbidities. My doctor's office started the approval process on May 4 and within 4 days, I received a letter that they needed Info to substantiate the medical necessity of the surgery (they need the clinicals - whatever that means). So, now I'm waiting to hear if I'm approved. I'm not very patient...it's driving me crazy. I truly believe God wouldn't have led me down this path just to disappoint me, but I wish I knew what timing he has planned! Until then, I will enjoy reading about your successes!! :-)

Let is know what you find out. Here's the link to the coverage policy. If all your ducks are in a row, Cigna is very quick to respond wih an approval. Good luck!!! http://www.cigna.com/assets/docs/health-care-professionals/coverage_positions/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

Well it's been a long couple of months, but after having to switch doctors and redoing some stuff, I AM APPROVED!!! I received the wonderful news yesterday a week after my awesome new doc submitted to Cigna. September 10 is my big day. So excited and a little nervous too!

Hi L Belle. Double check with Cigna on 6 vs 3 months weight management. They changed their requirement in May to 3 months within the last 12 months. I did 6, but found this out when I had to switch doctors recently. I got approval yesterday, a week after it was submitted. Surgery is September 10. I'm in Southern California, but you can look it up on Cigna.com or call to confirm. If you call, be forewarned different reps tell you different things. You might be all done!!!

So my doctor's office called on Tuesday to say they are still working on the medical necessity letter (i hope they are making a good argument!) and asked me to request medical records for last five years (a progress note from each year) showing DOS, weight and BMI. So I'm in the process of requesting records from every doctor I saw from 2008 until now in hopes that a couple will send info quickly, but this will add another 7-15 days before submitting to insurance. Still moving in the right direction albeit slowly! Lol

Let's hope you're right!!! :-)

Thanks vamp and momof3! The guidelines for my insurance are 35 with comorbidities and 40 without. My highest was 41 and after the required weight management program, I'm 39, so very borderline. Not sure I could swing it as a self-pay, so all I can do is hope, pray and wait for good news!

May 30 yeah! You sound like me, but I got up to 225 and I'm only 5'2". I said, "Enough!" I can't afford to diet again and end up even heavier as I've done with every other diet I've done. I have two young boys (6 and 15 mos) and I need to be healthy so I can keep up with them!

Thanks Crystal! I won't give up. I just hope I don't have to fight my insurance company. I've read so many stories about denials.