The Pre-Op Waiting Game

[MrsFraga2016 72]

Current status: pre-op

Surgery Date: (hopefully) August 2013

Current Weight: 369 lbs.

Age: 27

Occuptation: 1st grade teacher

I began my lap band journey in April of 2013 by going to the initial semiar. The very next day I called the surgeon to book my appointment and got the next available appointment...a month later in May. In May, the doctor gave me the list of lovely appointments: dietician, psychiatrist, pulmonologist, blood work, and upper GI test. I FINALLY completed all of the necessary doctor's appointments and have since learned that if I had waited any longer for my surgery that I would have been pre-diabetic within the next 5 years or so, and that I have severe sleep apnea.

I am currently playing "the waiting game" with my insurance company, Cigna. The doctor's receptionist sent my paperwork in on July 10th. I have heard rumors that Cigna takes a month to get back to it's patients.

Does anyone have any tips on what I can do pre-op while I play this waiting game?

Thanks

[Cwalband 215]

I'm so happy that you are so close to getting approved! During my wait time I tried to prepare myself for surgery. Went and got all the items for after surgery... but in the end I really wanted to try an NOT think of it. I dance for fun and that kept me busy but it feels like a life time but in a months time you will be preparing for surgery and this will ll be in the past! I hope the approval is quick and you can be on your way!

[MrsFraga2016 72]

Thanks. I do too!

The hard part is I really want this surgery done this summer not just for me, but for my students. As a teacher, getting a substitute is a PAIN IN THE BUTT! I also would not want my students to have a sub for 2 weeks. I would feel bad for them

Hopefully I can get this done before school starts on August 28th!

[ChicagoRose 650]

Try to relax even though that is easier said than done! I started my journey in April of 2012 and got banded March of 2013 so even though it's killing you consider yourself lucky. I too found out I have severe sleep apnea. You can read my blog if you want to pass the time, I share it all in there =)

Good luck!!

[MrsFraga2016 72]

Will do Chicago. Feel free to likewise read up on mine.

http://mssinclairandtheforbiddenjourney.wordpress.com/

[mommyofk 10]

I'm so happy that you are so close to getting approved! During my wait time I tried to prepare myself for surgery. Went and got all the items for after surgery... but in the end I really wanted to try an NOT think of it. I dance for fun and that kept me busy but it feels like a life time but in a months time you will be preparing for surgery and this will ll be in the past! I hope the approval is quick and you can be on your way!

What items did u need after surgery?

[aviva1979 375]

I also have Cigna. The first response (denied) took abt 2 weeks. But it was easy to appeal - they just needed one other piece of documentation we already had. Once your review is started with them there should be a specific person reviewing your case - that is how it was with mine. So when I was denied my surgeon's nurse was able to call this person directly and then the appeal/approval happened in less then a week. Then it took 5 weeks until my surgery date. Hang in there!

[MrsFraga2016 72]

I was very lucky in that the receptionist told me she just had a cigna case sent back because they require a "letter of medical necessity" from my regular care doctor. I went right into my general doctor today and got the letter. Hopefully my case won't get sent back!

aviva1979 Do you know if I call and bother Cigna to hurry up they will? Haha

[aviva1979 375]

I was very lucky in that the receptionist told me she just had a cigna case sent back because they require a "letter of medical necessity" from my regular care doctor. I went right into my general doctor today and got the letter. Hopefully my case won't get sent back!

aviva1979 Do you know if I call and bother Cigna to hurry up they will? Haha

I had the same thing w my initial denial - the letter. Once we sent that I was approved in days.

Yes I think you can def as your practitioner to call and give a nudge.

[Mamadawny 12]

I also have Cigna. I got a letter of necessity and medical clearance today from my pcp. I go for my 3rd visit with the nutritionist 7/31 and the for the psych eval 8/4. My biggest issue is trying to keep my BMi from falling under 40. Cigna is a real stickler for their requirements from what I have been told.

[sp70 193]

I also have Cigna and required a second submission because we were not told about the letter of medical necessity from my pcp. Once that was submitted, it took another 2 weeks. My BMI was 35 when I started and with the 3 month supervised weight loss was down to 33 and was still approved due to my comorbidities. The nurse told me they go off the initial BMI and I had to do a supervised weight loss program to show that I could follow a plan and lose weight. More or less to show the money will be well spent! To pass the time I was still working on my eating habits, using small plates, watching my portions, eliminated carbonated beverages and increased my Water intake to the goal of at least 64 ounces/ per day. I also continued to work on my daily exercise. The sooner you start some of those things, the better off you'll be. Good Luck!