Carmen1963

Thanks to all of you...just working my way through all the pre-req's -regardless of whether it's 90 days or less. I decided not to get upset about what I could not control. I'm doing everything I can to knock things off the list. Done: Started NUT meetings with my surgeons recommended contact. Did my psych eval and passed Letter from my PCP Met with cardiologist and did stress test and passed. Had Upper GI that my surgeon wanted -barium is nasty stuff. Having endoscopy and colonoscopy done next Wed. Sounds like fun huh? Sent out all medical records requests for my surgeon from prior procedures and issues. To Do: finish my NUT classes and lose 15-20 pounds before surgery. I've lost 4lbs from just walking 2 miles a day. My insurance coordinator is going to send the package out -just to see what Cigna says. Does not hurt to try. Other than that -just excited about doing something just for me and bettering my health. Thanks so much for letting me vent. I really was scared. But I'm in a good space now.

Thanks Ladies...just working my way through all the pre-req's -regardless of whether it's 90 days or less. I decided not to get upset about what I could not control. I'm doing everything I can to knock things off the list. Done: Started NUT meetings with my surgeons recommended contact. Did my psych eval and passed Letter from my PCP Met with cardiologist and did stress test and passed. Had Upper GI that my surgeon wanted -barium is nasty stuff. Having endoscopy and colonoscopy done next Wed. Sounds like fun huh? Sent out all medical records requests for my surgeon from prior procedures and issues. To Do: finish my NUT classes and lose 15-20 pounds before surgery. I've lost 4lbs from just walking 2 miles a day. My insurance coordinator is going to send the package out -just to see what Cigna says. Does not hurt to try. Other than that -just excited about doing something just for me and bettering my health. Thanks so much for letting me vent. I really was scared. But I'm in a good space now.

I've had that hippie popcorn.....it's good!

Thank God! Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks! Putting protein powder on it? Great idea thanks!

I live in Little Elm on the north side of the lake! Wishing you well on your journey!

You look great girl! So inspiring! Good for you!

Little Elm here!

Just some suggestions...look for doctor that works with a "center of excellence" credential. If you didn't get good vibes the doc you met. Find another one....there is tons of information on the forums rom actual patients - pre and post from you area. Just search for them. It's nice to hear from actual people. I wouldn't want someone who rude cutting me open. Meet at least another doctor...you records will transfer....I wish you lots of luck. It's work but you'll find the right doc for you, Carmen

Thanks for calming me down ladies.....dealing with insurance is something! With my husbands transplant it was so easy compared to this!

Azjanie! That is great news....I am really happy for you. When is your surgery date? How did you clarify what the employer negotiated? They HR?

I have spoken to them twice. I'm getting different answers than the insurance coordinator.

My Cigna policy is self insured -meaning the claims are paid by my husbands company and not by Cigna. Cigna is the administrator of the policy. In my 70 (exaggerating) policy guidelines it states the following and does not refer to Cigna's bariatric guideline. "Exclusions, Expenses Not Covered and General Limitations Exclusions and Expenses Not Covered Additional coverage limitations determined by plan or provider type are shown in the Schedule. Payment for the following is specifically excluded from this plan: for medical and surgical services intended primarily for the treatment or control of obesity. However, treatment of clinically severe obesity, as defined by the body mass index (BMI) classifications of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute guideline is covered if the services are demonstrated, through peer-reviewed medical literature and scientifically based guidelines, to be safe and effective for treatment of the condition." I have a BMI of 46 and two comorbitities. I need some advice regarding the wording. Does this mean as long as I have my PCP referral and my bariatric surgeons recommendation - that the 90 days are not required. Just a peer to peer between my surgeon and Cigna? I'm doing the NUT started it last month and desperately trying to get the surgery done this year. We've met all our deductibles and 20% co insurance. My husband had a liver transplant earlier thus year -he had cancer. He's great now. My biggest fear is that with Obamacare on the horizon that Cigna may change their policies or even worse my husbands company will change their policy in Jan. 2014. I'm really scared. I really need and want to get this done. I've been caring for everyone else but myself for so long! Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards - Carmen

Would love to hear from folks who have used either and what your experiences were. I'm on the fence with my decision.

I am going with Dr. Davidson. I really like him and his office staff. So excited and I'm knocking out my pre-req's!

Update: I switched to Dr. Davidson and I met with him today! I really like him.

Check out Dr James Davidson. He comes very highly recommended and has been a top doc on Dallas for 20 years. He works out of Presbyterian and Forest Park. His office staff have been super nice so far. I Was going to go with Nicholson - but he does 12 approx. surgeries in 1 day. Dr. Davidson will pray with you before surgery. Not necessary but sweet and kind just the same.

These are are all great ideas - thanks

You are an inspiration!

Thanks so much for the input! I really appreciate very much'

I'm a newbie too..actually just figured out how to respond to you on the app! I live in north Dallas in little Elm. My doc is Nicholson and I hope to have mine scheduled in January as well. Would love to chat with you!