Believe it or not I rushed into this

[kfgates 0]

Hi Nurse Cathy, I am just starting out on my long journey. My initial appointment with the surgeon is next Tuesday...You seem to be the "go to girl"...lol. I have Cigna and have read and re-read all the information on bariatric surgery Cigna has to offer. My BMI is low, it ranges from 35-37. I do have some co-mobidities...herniated discs in my lower back, Gerd, joint pain, fallen arches, stress incontinence and I am awaiting my cholesterol blood work (it has been high in the past). My PCP feels I am a perfect candidate for the lap band and has written a wonderful referral letter to the surgeon (he also forwarded it to cigna) Right now I am working on getting other letters from other doctors regarding my incontinence from my obgyn, and a letter from my pedicurist for my fallen arches...do you have any advice. I live in Maine...when we submit to Cigna is there just one central place that the information goes?? Once again I am just starting out, but I have done a great deal of research and want to be ready, Thank you in advance for any help you can offer....Kimberly

[oscarel 0]

kfgates, if you're going the insurance route did you ask them if it's covered before starting all this? If you're going to be self pay then there's probably no reason for the 6 month diet.

Oscar

[kfgates 0]

I contacted Cigna first. Yes they do pay for it, but like most there are criteria. BMI of 40, or BMI of 35 with a co-mobidity. Without Insurance I would not be able to have the procedure....I have two small children and just could not bring myself to spend that kind of money on myself. I can't even imagine how much something like this would cost...and Mexico is out of the question...lol. Kimberly

[Sooverit! 1]

Hey KF:

I'd hate to see you go through the same dissapointment and hassle I went through for a year with my Cigna policy. I had the same situation as you same BMI and same co mobities and they declined me twice due to BMI being under 40 and or not having 1. High Blood Pressure - not controlled by meds 2. Diabetes - not.. 3. sleep Apnea those are the 3 cos they like best.

I too thought MX was out of the question until I fully researched it and was surprised to find out how much more experienced the docs are and treatment is superior to the states. THat does not apply to all the MX LB surgeons of course.