excarolinagirl

Thanks for the link to the Cigna website. Very much relieved...

My employer is switching from BCBS to Cigna in Jan. My dr's office secretary told me that Cigna requires more "hoops" to jump thru than BCBS. I don't know if I will have all the prereqs done by the end of the year. I'd appreciate any advice on experience with Cigna and LB surgery approval.

Thanks. I don't want to rush myself into surgery at this point.

I actually saw Dr. Kramer. (I was originally scheduled to see Dr. Kappa but heard that Kramer's bedside manner was more more easy-going. I think Kappa is a good doctor, just different personalities.) I really liked Kramer and his practice. He has recently had WLS (bypass) but didn't reveal which surgery he had until after I had told him I wanted LB. I was very encouraged by what I heard and also understand the reality of the surgery (permanent lifestyle change required). I'm hoping I can have LB before the end of the year. My employer's insurance changes from BCBS of TN to Cigna which has more "hoops" to jump. Keep me posted on your progress.

I have an appt. tomorrow with Dr. Kaplan in Kingsport. I've heard good things about him. I don't know how much LB surgeries he has done - do you? I went to Dr. Watson's office and did NOT like the staff at all. I felt like I was being herded through the process. Dee

Tomorrow, 9/12/08, I meet with the dr. who will do my LB surgery. I've been reading alot about LB including this website. I can't get in my head how I will eat after the surgery as I crave carbs a lot, especially during the winter months. I am also trying to prepare for the Dr's questions about why LB vs. GB. I've seen several other LB posts whose stats are similar to mine and have lost the amt of weight I want to lose (100 lbs.) More to follow tomorrow...:thumbup:

Tomorrow, 9/12/08, I meet with the dr. who will do my LB surgery. I've been reading alot about LB including this website. I can't get in my head how I will eat after the surgery as I crave carbs a lot, especially during the winter months. I am also trying to prepare for the Dr's questions about why LB vs. GB. I've seen several other LB posts whose stats are similar to mine and have lost the amt of weight I want to lose (100 lbs.) More to follow tomorrow...

Hi Nora, I'm new, too. I also have my first dr. appt (consult) on Friday. Good luck. Dee

Hello, I am 47 yrs old, weigh 240 pounds, am scheduled to meet with bariatric surgeon on Fri. I haven't started my 6-month weight loss program (required by my insurance BCBS/TN - also requires 10% weight loss prior to surgery). Would enjoy hearing from others who have gone through a similar process (have to lose certain percent of weight before surgery). Dee

To the Fireman: I work for Eastman Chemical Company. Is that your employer? If so, I will check with my PCP about the 10% weight loss. I figure if I could lose 24 pounds, I wouldn't need the lapband surgery.

I am 47 yr old w/f have appt. with bariatric surgeon for lapband consult on Fri. I weigh 240. I have to lose 10% before the surgery, 6-month dr. supervised weight loss program. I live in east TN.

I am 47 yr old w/f have appt. with bariatric surgeon for lapband consult on Fri. I weigh 240. I have to lose 10% before the surgery, 6-month dr. supervised weight loss program. I live in east TN.