how long did it take you from first approaching doctor to surgery?

[Fight4Light 130]

I had a quicker journey than most. I didn't to any seminars or groups. I did have plenty of doctors appointments though.

About mid November I went through a consultation and began the process. I averaged about 1 to 2 appointments a week while they put me through every test imaginable.

I had to meet with a nutritionist, have consults, tests, studies, various different things from ct scans, to sleep studies, to stress tests, to EKG, to ultrasounds, etc.

My insurance approved quickly. They didn't require any pre surgery diets or anything. And I went into surgery 12/28/12, I'm now a week and a half post-op.

[aviva1979 375]

thanks, everyone! I went to meet with my PCP today and brought the book of requirements CIGNA sent me. she seemed supportive of the decision and at first glance i'll meet the BMI requirement (i'm at 45 with no co-morbidity, but for CIGNA, BMI is high enough that that's ok). there will be a bunch of tests, which i'm fine running around to get done. the big question will be about the 12 months of medically monitored weight management. i've been at this for years, but i'm not sure i have the kind of documentation they'll be looking for. I did see a nutritionist for a while thru the end of summer/start of fall, and that's part of CIGNA's requirement so we'll see what they say.

Right now i'm feeling like the testing and appointments and processing are all things i'm comfortable taking some time. But if CIGNA wanted me to go through another year of medically monitored weight management, I might talk to the bank about a loan to self-pay. A lot of this is about my age and my desire to start a family - and to extend a year to do another year of (more structured) weight management and then the year that's recommended post-band before trying for a baby - I just don't want to put off starting a family another 2 years. Even if it means a loan to cover self-pay.

[Jim1967 3,569]

I had Cigna during my journey. It just changed to BCBS this month. Cigna only required a 6 month monitored diet for me. I had to go to the Doc office once a month for a weigh in. After the six months was up my Doc submitted that data to Cigna along with all my test results. Cigna denied me at first because they said the documentation was lacking. My Doc submitted samples of food journals and exercise logs that I had kept during those 6 months. With that they approved me a day later.

[Jim1967 3,569]

I also heard that Cigna has since changed from a 6 month monitored diet to 3 months. Is that book of requirements recent? If not I would call them and ask for the policy in writing again.

[aviva1979 375]

yea, this is the most recent book on their website (which is what the rep on the phone told me to look at). It lists 12 months of weight management regulated by doctor with 3 months working with a nutritionist.

[Fight4Light 130]

That's horrible. That would aggravate me to no end. If I could easily work on a diet for 12 months, I would not have needed the surgery. Good luck.