lookingtolose84

Hey everyone! I just realized there was a CT forum on here! I was wondering if anyone has Connecticare insurance and if so, how long did it take to get approved for surgery? I am starting a new job and the insurance is Connecticare. I am a patient at St. Raphael's Bariatric Surgery Office but have only been able to go for an initial visit since my old insurace didnt' cover any visits or anything to do with Bariatric Surgery. I want to go back and see my surgeon as soon as possible, my insurance won't start until June so.... I have some time. I am right now keeping a diet diary/workout diary (so far 3 months and counting) for my physician to look through and assist me on changes I can make. It's odd, I haven't lost any weight what so ever. He has been very supportive of my idea of WLS. He referred me to Dr. Yood at St. Raphaels. I was told by Dr. Yood I am a perfect candidate for lapband. With my large size it is very difficult and painful to my knees and joints to be doing any strenuous activities - thats why most of my exercise is on the bike. I got through my first day of training for my new job and being on my feet for 8 hours, running around is killing me. Last night, I had a hard time falling asleep because my legs and feet were aching so much....I feel like I'm 90 and I'm really only 24! Sorry for the rambling on....haa haa, anyone have Connecticare?

Have any women in here lost their menstral cycle due to obesity? I had a regular cycle for a long time but now that I'm at my highest weight, I worry I've lost it due to my weight. I haven't had my cycle since Oct. (which was enduced by medication because it was not regular before then). I had a thuro examination and there seemed to be no physical complications (i.e. cysts). I just know there was a long discussion about my weight and how it was important I lose weight. Any comments/thoughts/suggestions? Feel free to respond.

BEK1986, I'm 24 years old and I'm 5'3" weighing 255lbs. I am in the process of getting new insurance so I can return to my surgeon to go further with my plans for surgery. I bet you will do great!!!! Just think of how much better you will feel once your extra baggage is off!!!! I can't answer any questions for you about post-op but I can give you support and encouragement! Write me anytime! Good luck :tt2:

Hi. I'm 24 years old, i'm 5'3" and have at least 100 pounds of extra weight I'm carrying around. For my petite body frame, I should not be holding this amount of weight. I have discussed with my physician my weight issues and concerns. He agreed with me my struggles have been for a long period of time and he feels its in my best interest to go through WLS. He recommended me to a personal friend/weight loss surgeon. I trust and value my physicians opinion greatly. I went to a informational session and have been to the weight loss surgeon for a consulation. I am a perfect candidate for lapband. I have been unable to do anything more about taking the steps to WLS since my insurance does not cover anything, including my appointments with the surgeon. I had over a $200 bill for my consulation. Seeing as this is my health, I do not mind taking out loans to financially afford this life altering surgery. I am just hoping my next job will have better insurance and will actually cover part, if not all of my surgery. My asthma has gotten worse since I've gained large amounts of weight, my knees are going to be shot before the age of 30 if I keep this up. I just finished physical therapy for my knees that have started to buckle and give out sometimes due to my extra baggage. I have many people around me saying "You are too young" "Wait a few more years" "When are you going to be able to stop working, have surgery, recover and then return to work?" The way I look at it is.... I won't be able to work soon if my body is in the condition its in. My goal is to become a nurse, right now I'm finishing up a CNA course but I'm dreading clinical week which involves being on my feet for 6 hours at a time. I can barely take a mile walk without being tired and needing to sit down (and that's on a good day!). How am I going to get a job if I can't do what is required of me? My weight seems to keep going up, regardless of what I do. I go to the gym 5 - 6 days a week and ride the bike (low impact on my knees) or walk on the treadmill for 15 minute incriments. I've been documenting my food intake for my doctor and I'm still gaining weight. I want to have a child someday and I won't be able to if I'm at this weight.... I'm not wanting the surgery to look good. I need it to survive. I don't eat myself to death, at some point in my past I used to but not anymore and I still can't take off the weight. I want to do this for me. I believe I'm strong enough, have the will power, can dedicate myself to a life long change and want a healthier, more fufilling life. I want to go hiking, ride my bike, try rock climbing and travel the world, start a family....I need to be healthy for all of that. Physically, mentally and emotionally....I am ready! Now, how do I convince friends and family around me? Or do I just do it without their support?! I know the are most liekly worried for my quality of life after surgery but they need to realize after hard work and dedidcation, I can achieve a healthier life! I'm ready for change! Any advice?! Thoughts?

Hey everyone! I'm Liz, age 23 and looking into lapband. I've been to an informative meeting about the procedure and have met with my surgeon. Now, I need to sit down with someone and figure out how I am going to pay for this procedure since my insurance company says it does not cover weight loss surgery. Alittle about my gay side... I "came out" when I was a freshman in college. Struggled with my religious upbringing and my inner feelings. As of right now, I do not practice any religion. I question a lot of times about there being a "God". Now that I've grown from my past experiences with figuring myself out, I am completely comfortable with my sexuality. Please feel free to chat with me anytime! Liz

Is there anyone here who has CIGNA health insurance? If so, after you meet the critera for the health complications due to obesity and finish your physican directed weight management program .... will the insurance company accept your need for surgery and cover you? Or does it depend on the type of plan you have? I am very confused. I went for an evaluation with a surgeon who said I am a perfect fit for lapband and I got a bill today for over $200 saying cigna won't cover that appointment (hence my large bill). I'm weary about them covering my surgery. I have really tried everything to lose weight and nothing has worked. It's predestined in my family genes for me to be larger.... my surgeon said I am getting in his office before truly serious probelsm will start to take place due to my weight. I am just sooo uspet!!! Damn insurance.