gibsonsmom

I went to my first appointment with my surgeon today. I missed the BMI of 40 by 0.8 pounds! 0.8lbs! I thought I was going the hiatal hernia route to bypass insurance, but Cigna requires me to use my bariatric benefits. Had I known that, I would have worn some ankle weights. I'm so upset! I have high blood pressure that I'm on meds for. That should be a good enough co-morbity right? Did anyone with a BMI less than 40 and the hypertension co-morbity get approved? The Cigna policy is vague so I called them and they were no help. Surely they don't want people to walk around with uncontrolled hypertension. I'm probably going to just start over with another surgeon. I can't be stressed out for the next 3 months over 0.8lbs.

Thanks for all of the words of advice everyone! I had to wait an entire month for this appointment and they won't schedule my EGD until I've completed the 90 day medically supervised diet. The medical assistant that calculated my BMI laughed and said "oh, 39.9!". No offer to re-weigh or re-measure or anything. I'm going to see another surgeon and they can get me in next week to start the process. Hopefully this office won't be as busy so I can get my surgery done faster after I jump through all of the insurance hoops.

I agree 100%! I have gained and lost weight so many times and I am ready to get off the roller coaster. I've been yo-yo dieting since 1993 and I fear I have ruined my metabolism. I am looking for a tool to not only lose weight, but help maintain it as well. I have an ankle with a plate and 7 screws in it that makes exercise super painful. I am excited to get to a weight where I can run on it again! I work with many ladies that have had this surgery and have given me excellent advice, especially lots of "don't do what I did" types of scenarios. Like going on a cruise and eating buffet style 1 month post-op! Mentally I am more than ready to do it. I know it's not going to be easy and doing lots of research here is helping me prepare myself. I am also planning on taking advantage of the support the Nicholson clinic offers both pre and post op.

How did your EGD go? Any word on your results and/or surgery date? I am so excited for you..and very curious how far out they are scheduling surgeries!

Thank you so much for the information!! I called today and made an appointment with Dr. Nicholson on 2/18. I felt at ease speaking with the lady on the phone, she really knew her stuff and was very nice.

Do you mind me asking what current program cost is for the hiatal hernia repair? My max out of pocket for Cigna is $4000, just wondering what Dr. Nicholson is charging for the sleeve part. I am about 100% sure I have a hernia. Thanks!