Sleeve Rookie

[Goddardgo 90]

I hadn't ever heard of the sleeve prior to last week. I called my insurance carrier to see if the lapband was covered. To my surprise the lady that answered my call explained to me that it was covered, but she actually had the sleeve procedure. I said "what tha" I had never heard of any such thing. She explained so much, but I felt the need to overflow my brain with research. I am comfortable with the procedure, just not sure yet if it's been around long enough to know.. has anybody else had that feeling?

My cousin had the lapband and later made it onto the Biggest Loser and she told me once that had she known how easy it was to lose the weight, she never would have gotten the lapband. She is going tomorrow to have it removed. I however, do not have trainers, nutritionist and 8-10 hours to spend in the gym everyday like she did. I am super proud of her, but I tend to over eat and haven't found it possible to control what and how much I eat.

I wanted to know if anybody has had his procedure using Cigna Healthcare and if so, how was your experience. Did you pay a ton? I am scheduled for my first appointment with the surgeon's office next month, but wanted to get a feel for what I should expect.

Thank you so much!

[rebecca_dsu 241]

someone on the biggest loser had a lap band before getting on the show?? Wow...I didn't know that was allowed. That's eye opening.

Good luck to you in your own journey!! I'm like you, in that I need the sleeve as a tool...because I can eat wayyy too much

[Susie in Lima 320]

Hey there, I have Cigna and they took care of everything for me. I was really impressed. I guess it depends on what coverage you have but with my insurance plan, they pay 100% of everything. The only thing I paid for was a thermometer?? and some hygiene set (soap, Shampoo etc). I had mine done in Peru south america because this is where I live right now but Cigna was prompt with payment and with approving my surgery. Make sure you submit everything that they ask for so you wont be delayed.

If you decide to have this done, I can say that I have not been disappointed! I have been Obese and then lost to a normal weight only to shoot back up to Obese again over and over again. I can, like your cousin, lose the weight, but I can NOT keep it off! The sleeve has been a great tool for me. Now, how I choose to use it is up to me! If I choose to abuse it, I could make the same mistakes again and again but I am choosing to do the right things. (although I do screw up from time to time I just get back up and slap myself on the hand and start over)

Hope this helps! Take care!

[MizzouGirl 148]

I have Cigna and they have been great thus far. I think it depends on the type of coverage selected by your employer. Mine was approved in about a week and other than $20 co-pays for office visits, I only had to pay a $250 deductible to the hospital.

[Goddardgo 90]

^{Thanks for the responses I have a $5,000.00 deductable.. and the funny thing is, I actually work for Cigna!!! Whoop talk about luck LOL! I guess I should plan on paying my full deductable. I was really hoping that it wasn't going to cost me that much, but it will soooo be worth it, so I will do what I have to do.}