Big Fred

I am officially on the other side, had the surgery on 10/25. I feel great and can honestly say that the discomfort was minimal. Today I walked the track at school and did a quarter mile. Totaly off any pain medication after the second day and still on the liquid diet (thank god for sugar free jello). For all those that are still traveling the road to banding - hang in there, it will be here before you know it. I just wanted to extend my sincere thanks to all the people on this forum, it makes the journey much more pleasent knowing there are others who are willing to share their experiences. If I can be of help to anyone, please let me know. 374 - Start of Journey - 3/07 348 - Day of Surgey - 10/25 338 - 5 days after Surgery - 10/30

Molly Brown, I was banded on October 25th, I can honestly say it has been the best thing that I ever did for myself. We all feel the angst of having surgery, I went in expecting the worst and truly it has been a great experience. Yes you wake up in some pain, but the drugs work to ease that. I was totaly off any pain medication after the second day. Today I walked the track at school and did a quarter mile - feel great. The liquid diet sucks (just telling the truth), but think about it - its a small price to pay for a new you. And to be honest, I really do not have any hunger pains. So, hang in there. Only you can make the decision. But take some advice from the people here who have gone through it - you are not alone. Good luck 374 - Started journey - 3/07 348 - Day of Surgery - 10/25 338 - 5 days after Surgey - 10/30

I was banded on the 25th, so far it has been a breeze. I had some discomfort on the first day but was off all medication by the second day. I can't believe that I am surviving on liquids and no hunger pains. Good luck to everyone, we are on the road to a new person.

Good Luck, I'm right behind you, getting banded Thursday 10/25. It has been a long journey but we are at the crossroads, we can get through this.

godzgurl75, Good luck, you will get through it just fine. I am scheduled for Thursday 10/25, hope it's first thing in the morning like yourself. The hospital will call me on Wednesday to let me know when. I can't wait for this part of the journey to be over and we will both be on the road to a new us, see you around the bend.

miciganer, I was so happy to hear that you were approved I know it was a long journey, but your on your way. Good Luck! Do you have a date yet?

I know many people that have Cigna and no one had to submit pictures not even myself. I agree, I would call and ask again. I believe that there also may be a privacy issue, double check with your PCP. I was finally approved, but had to jump through the six month documentation hoop. Please make sure you document everything, the psych visit, monthly PCP visits, excersise program, everything! Believe me it will help in the end. Good luck on your journey.........

Hey Montanangirl, I to am going to be banded on 10/25, good luck! Will check back in after the suregery, hope to hear your doing fine.

ozzy greene, Great news, keep up the good work. How has it been so far ?? I will be banded on 10/25, can't wait. I have my pre-op on 10/17.

heyhon, I heard from the surgeon's office, I'm approved ! Will be banded on 10/25. Please make sure you follow all the rules, the coordinator of the office took care of all the paperwork but I made sure that each month my PCP documented our diet - weight loss conversation, my BP, weight and forwarded all to the surgeon's office. Don't let more than 30 days between PCP visits go by, Cigna is a stickler for the monthly visits. Also make sure that the surgeon provides a letter of medical necessity, my surgeon sent it along in my paperwork but for some reason they misplaced it and it had to be faxed over to them again. It was a nail bitting 3 weeks but I got through it, now I'm on the road to another part of my life. I'll keep posting as things progress. My prayers and thoughts to everyone waiting in the insurance twighlight zone.

Finally Approved - Surgery date 10/25 ! Just wanted to share my happiness with others, it has been a long road to get here. I pray for those awaiting insurance approval, I know it's tough. Hang in there and stick to your guns. Now that it's approved I can't wait for it to happen, everyone here is awsome and thanks for sharing all your thoughts and experiences. Believe me, they go a long way. On the road to a new life............ Band Date - 10/25/2007 March 2007 - 374 Current - 348

Finally approved by insurance - surgery date is October 25th. At this point, I can't wait. I know there will be issues but I'm ready. 374 - 3/2007 348 - Current 10-25-2007 - Band Date

To All, I got the word yesterday, I have been approved by Cigna! It took three weeks to hear back from them but they approved me for the lap band. My surgery date is 10/25, it will be here before you know it. I have my pre-op with my surgeon on 10/17 and everything is finally falling into place. My thanks to all for your good wishes, vibes and prayers, they really helped. For those that are going through the insurance struggle - hang in there and be persistent. I called every week to see where the paperwork was, even got to know the case worker on a first name basis. Now I need to take the other road and prepare myself for the changes that will be coming. As things progress I will keep everyone updated. This site and the people on it are a blessing, use them as a sounding board and a way to vent your frustrations - it really works. Thanks again and stayed tuned. To be banded in CT - 10/25 374 Highest Ever 348 current ??? After banding

Hello All, I am the Team Leader for the Emergency Response group at a major electric utility here in the Northeast. Basically, we keep the lights on for ya !!!!!!

michiganer, Did they say why you were denied? I too am going through this insurance nighmare, my paperwork went in 9/18 and have not heard anything from them yet (maybe no news is good news). My prayers and wishes go out to you, I hope that your doctor can knock some sense into them. Wishing you all the best....

Donnajade, Thank you for the good vibes, I certainly can feel them. I started this road about a year ago, went to a seminar and talked to the office staff last summer (2006). It took me until this March to make the decision to have the surgery ( I like to do research). Once I made up my mind, I asked the insurance coordiantor in the weight loss center what I needed to do to satisfy their requirements. So, I guess you can say the process started in March. I had everything documented, office visits, psych visit, stress test, blood work, nutritionist visits, gym visits, etc.... I spoke to the coordinator about the recent letter, she did contact the insurance company the same day I called her and low and behold they found the missing paperwork (it was there all along - imagine that). She told me that Cigna has been taking 3 to 4 weeks to make a decision. So I guesss I have to wait. Thanks to all for your supporting words, I appreciate them all.

Neveragain, Please listen to all the great advice, your young and your whole life is in front of you. You showed great commitment when you made the decision to loose the weight, your on the road to sucess - don't let envy take over. I know from first hand experience that never giving up pays out in the end. I'm 54, took night courses and got my degree at 45 - got a new job and currently making in excess of six figures. It's never to late. Both my sister and brother went to great schools and became wealthy early on, I chose a different road when younger. It just took me a little longer that's all and I never regreted it. Hang in there and make your own way, your an individual - you will be respected for the person you are. Waiting to be banded in Connecticut (Oct. 25) ................

Well, the insurance (Cigna) saga continues. I am starting to believe that they are truly against us !! Recieved a copy of a letter to my surgeon yesterday stating that were in receipt of my paperwork but needed clinical information for medical necessity. I called the office, they told me not to worry that they (the insurance co.) do this everytime. It is a form letter that they send out immediatly after recieving the paperwork (probably to delay the process). The information they requested was sent to them and the office will confirm this today. So here I am, waiting again. If I do not hear back from anyone by Monday, I'll call the insurance company myself. Still waiting in CT..........

Donnajade; Congratulations !! I can only hope that Cigna will approve me, the earlier the better. Browsing through the posts you can read many horror stories of people being denied or having to re-submitt. If everything goes well, my tentative surgery date is currently 10/25. I hope that we can swap stories soon after that. Again, congratulations and good luck.................

I just went through six months of documentation. My paperwork went in Friday of last week. They do not count the first PCP visit discussing weight loss - so be careful !!! Hang in there, six months go by fairly quickly. Follow up each month with your PCP, make sure they are sending the information to the weight loss Doctor. I have Cigna, but it seems that most HMO's are going to the six month wait period. Use this time wisely, get all your tests done - blood work, stress test, Psych review and see the nutritionist. This will make the time go faster. If you are going to a gym, make sure they document your visits and send that info along as well (it can't hurt). Be persistent and it will move along - Good luck to all. Waiting for approval in CT............................

lwessn, Cigna requires that you provide the following; Six months of documented monthly Physician visits Six months of Dr. supervised diet Meeting with a dietician Psychological review and sign-off Pulmonology sign-off (possible sleep test if needed) Heart specialist sign-off Blood Work Stress Test Documented weight from a year ago BMI over 40 Report on medical issues, such as; Sleep Apnea, Diabeties, High Blood Pressure, etc..... I worked with the weight center coordinator, she steered me through the entire process. I recommend you do the same. I know it sounds daunting, if you stick to it - it will get done. You will be amazed how fast the time goes by.

Sooverit, Thank you for the kind words. No problem - my current BMI is 51 Started this quest at 374lbs (BMI 52.2) - Currently 354lbs I have been trying to post with the ticker tape but haven't quite fiqured it out yet. I'll keep trying.............

Well, today's the day the paperwork goes in. Boy, six months went by fairly quickly. The coordinator says it may take 2-3 weeks for a reply, she has seen it take as little as a week. I guess I'll give it two weeks and if I don't hear anything give them a call. If I get an approval before 10/11, that will be my banding date. They have me penciled in for that date. After jumping through all the hoops they give you I certainly will be pissed if I'm denied. Stay tuned and wish me well, I'll let you know what happens. My thanks to everyone in this forum for their kind words and support, this place has truly been a godsend.

As I mentioned in my previous post, six months does fly by quickly. Please wish me luck, my surgeon's office is sending all information to Cigna today. The coordinator says it may take 2-3 weeks for a reply, she has seen it as fast as a week. I'm going to wait 2 weeks and then call. This entire process has moved alog fairly quickly and if approved in time, my banding date will be 10/11/07. To all that have to wait, please hang in there. Thanks to all for your guidance and words of wisdom. I'll let everyone know when I get the approval.

Hang in there, six months goes by very quickly. I began my Quest in April and will have the six month deal complete in October. I have been on my PCP every month to make sure he documents all (weight, diet, discussions) and have them fax it to my surgeon's office. I call the office coordinator every month to confirm the fax and make sure I'm on track. Meeting the surgeon on 9/18 and the paperwork will be submitted. Hopefully they will approve an October date. Don't fret and take charge of the process, at the very least you will know things were done properly.