Daney

A year ago I called my insurance company (Cigna) and asked if they covered LAPBAND surgery, the rep said it is not covered but after calling around the doctor said that they do cover it if it is medically necessary. After my initial consultant visit they sent in information to my insurance. They have covered all my appointments. A month ago my doctor called and said the surgery was approved and the next day they said they recieved a letter saying it wasnt. They fought it with my insurance and they once again approved the surgery. Since then I have done all my pre op requirements and have a set date for surgery. Yesterday my doctor called again and said they denied it again. How can they do this after approving it twice? I don't understand! Anyone have any advice or gone through the same thing? My surgery date is 4/19.

I have done all the requirements, and have went to my pre op appointment and surgery is scheduled for a week from today! Cigna originally approved it then denied it and then approved it again within a week. Now they are saying they arent approving it. From what the surgeon's office has said is it is because of the billing codes, because Cigna does not cover Lap Band to treat obesity which they filled it under which instead they were suppose to file it under medically necessary due to back problems. I just wish I knew what was going on, because its a week away!!

Hi! Congrats on the approval! I just got mine about 2 weeks ago and had my pre-op appt today and should be going in for surgery in the next two weeks, still waiting on a set date. The nutrionist told me I may have to do a two week liquid diet, but the surgeon said I didn't have to do it because I have a low enough BMI, but I'm going to do it anyway so I have a head start! I went to the store tonight and bought the vitamins and shakes. I bought the slim fast shakes but I havent tried one yet, and I got Multi-vitamins with iron, B Complex, and Vitamin D all in pill form, so I will probably have to crush them after surgery. Good Luck with your surgery!

I actually went through this same thing, when I started the 6 month program I was at 267 with a BMI of 42 I believe. After two or three months of the program I lost 25 lbs and the doctor told me I was under the required BMI at 39 but since I had back problems it was okay, but that I should be careful losing much more since they may not cover me. So I did the stupid thing and stopped working out and whatnot, I have not gained any back but with the fear of possibly gaining it back and not being able to have the surgery I have simply maintained the weight and lost a few pounds here and there, about a month ago with my current weight of 235 and a BMI of 36 I was approved and tomorrow is my pre-op appointment for surgery this month.

I am going in for my pre-op appointment tommorrow for surgery this month, and have already been having trouble in my relationship due to the surgery. I understand he is worried about what may happen in the future, but it would be nice to be supported instead of badgered constantely about it. We have been together 2 and a half years and it definetly hasn't been the easiest relationship. The other day we were arguing and I said I needed time away from all of it, and he said we should just end it since it will be over after the surgery anyways. I think I have come to the point were if he isnt going to support my decision and attempt to be there for me as I am for him, I should just let it go and start fresh, like I'm doing with the surgery.

My name is Dana, I began my LAP BAND journey a year ago and after my 6 month weight loss program and trouble with my insurance company, I am now coming down to the line. Tomorrow I will find out when the surgery will be scheduled for, hopefully in two weeks, but I am getting very nervous and anxious! My first appointment I was at 267 lbs now I am at 238, and my goal weight is 130-140 lbs. I could really use some support and encouraging words! Not everyone is supportive of my decision and believes I can do it on my own, but I am 22 years old and have already had back surgery once and struggle everyday through back pain due to my weight. I felt like this is my only choice and a great one, just wish people felt the same way.

Im 5'7, so it defenitely plays a part since I'm kind of tall. I was approved through my insurance, although it was not easy. lillbits- Don't get me wrong I have people who support the surgery, but some don't so its nice to find this site where everyone knows what I am going through. You are right about the insurance being strict, they approved the surgery over the phone with my doctors office, then proceeded to send out a letter saying that Cigna no longer covers biratric surgeries, and then they approved it again, so now I am just waiting for tomorrow to hear if the surgery will be this month or next month.