luv2nurse

<p>I am new to this site, thought I was on top of everything. I have Cigna HMO, did my 3 months with the nutritionist. My coordinator at the surgeons office said she submitted everything and now I call Cigna and they say it was denied. They are missing information,,,,,what??? So I email the coordinator and ask her to get on it tomorrow. So I am crossing my fingers and hoping this is not the first of an uphill battle. I am so ready to get a surgery date. I have been to the physcologist and the nutritionist and got my support group and ready to go. I have read the books. I dd hat Cigna said to do.</p> <p>I want my surgery. Why do they make it so hard?</p>

I have Cigna as well and the same thing happened to me. The only thing that was missing was documentation of my weight history. I had my surgeons office resubmit everything. Three days later, I was approved. Just stay on them, continue to call...even if it's everyday. Be persistent!!!

My doctor never suggested a calorie limit either. 11g of Protein is great. I have an Excel spreadsheet that has almost 100 grocery store, frozen, and fast food items that are all high in protein (and I'm adding to it all the time). Forum rules don't allow me to post it but I'd be glad to email it to you if post your email address or PM it to me. I've sent it to dozens of folks here on the forum. One of the biggest (and best) surprises I've had following my RNY has been the number of delicious, high protein options there are out there!!

I would love this info....thanks

luv2nursern@gmail.com

Did you have to complete 3 or 6 months of weigh ins?

I had to do 3 months of nutritional consults with the dietician. Once that was complete, It took about a month for me to get my surgery date, but keep in mind that was only because I had to submit my paperwork twice. I also had to have 2 years of previous weigh-ins from my PCP.

I have cigna as well. I was denied the 1st time because my PCP's office forgot to send one piece of info. Once I resubmitted everything again, I was approved within 2 days. I hope this helps.

Hey girls, had my RNY Dec 9 at Ochsners in New Orleans, where are you at in your journey?

Had mine @ Ochsner too, 3 months ago. Down 64lbs, feeling great!

<p>I have searched all over forum so I apologize if this has been asked already but should I have my Wife stay overnight with me at Hospital after surgery?<br><br> We have twin 8 year old girls that she could stay home with. Will I need her help because I will be awake during night?</p>

Didn't need my husband either. Sedated most of the time. Best sleep ever!!

I had a prescription for it before surgery and haven't taken it since before surgery. Obv forgot to ask dr but I've been having hard time sleepin lately. I'm not asking "can I take it because I know all of u will say ask ur dr blah blah" I'm asking if anyone's taken it a month out? Or half of one

I've been on ambien 10mg for years. I'm 2mths post op and have never stopped taking it (my surgeon said it was ok). As a matter of fact, I'm not suppose to swallow pills whole but that one is so small, I have no problems with it. I tried crushing it at first but it is HORRIBLE!!

I am having an allergic reaction to something not sure what. But my arms and stomach and chest are covered in red botches. Not sure why' date=' I haven't been doing anything today but sitting here, haven't tried any new meds...this is freaking crazy.[/quote']

Same thing happened to me last week. Still unsure as to what caused it. Had to get steroids from my surgeons office. Much better now. Just make sure you haven't tried any new soaps, detergents, foods or meds. Benadryl helps with the itching but I would definitely call my doctor.

I have lost 247 pounds and it feels great! I did weigh 450 pounds' date=' wore a size 56 pants and 4x shirts, now I weigh 203 pounds, in a size 34 pants and size large on shirts. Its so awsome to be able to go out and shop for clothes and have so many choices! I am 34 and have been overweight most of my life, so this is a whole new feeling of freedom![/quote']

Awesome!! You look like a totally different person!!

So I got the phone call today. I got denied. They told me that my packet lacked one piece of information that was necessary. Even tho my PCP wrote a letter of approval and stated it was medically necessary' date=' she didnt write a letter that stated I was "Cleared for Surgery". So I will have to appeal. It's upsetting that this isn't even a requirement on my plan. But no stressing...[/quote']

So I have cigna too. The same thing happened to me, it took 3 times before they approved. Just have your surgeons office resubmit everything again including the letter stating you are cleared for surgery and then you should be approved. No need for an appeal yet! You really have to stay on them. Hope this helps. Good luck!!!

AMAZING! I had no idea RNY had a "secret society". I mean' date=' I knew people had the surgery but since my surgery 7 weeks ago people are coming out of the wood works. What a plethora of support! I think to myself why on earth didn't I do this earlier in my life? Since I first walked into Pinnacle Health Weight Loss Center 8 months ago I have lost, to date 52 lbs (7 weeks post op). I am down 2 pant sizes and I can't get over the compliments. I was always the "you have such a pretty face" girl. If I heard that one more time I was ready to POP someone in the kisser. I have always been the over weight cousin, biggest in the family. Now, it's MY time to shine. I have taken he bull by the horns and as my boss always says, "Let's do this!! ". My outside will finally mirror my inside and I can't wait to see "ME." Ok, done with my soap box rant. In addition to the staple food items, soft veggies, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, fish, yogurt Protein shakes, did have half a taco (amazing) ect what else can I experiment with 7 weeks out. I have been very lucky, no vomiting but then again I have been abiding to my guidelines like the Bible. I welcome suggestions! thanks![/quote']

" pretty face girl" I definitely can relate. OAN....I'm only 2 weeks out. I can't wait to eat something besides broth and Jello. Congrats to you!

I don't know. I am waiting for insurance now. Are you going to utilize your free months at elmwood fitness ? I am wondering if I should use it now while I a strong enough.

I'm not sure yet. I would love to, however, I live about an hour away! If it were closer, I would definitely take advantage of it.

He gives liquid lortab. Works really well. Everything he prescribes is liquid' date=' chewable or dissolvable. All of my Vitamins are liquid or chewable as well so I'm not crushing anything. Hopefully your pain will be very minimal like mine. Not requiring much pain med at all now. I also bought liquid Tylenol right before my surgery just in case and I haven't opened that yet.[/quote']

When is your surgery?

Glad everything went so well for you. I am most concerned about oral pain meds. What does he prescribe? I was hoping for liquid. Are you crushing the pain meds?

He gives liquid lortab. Works really well. Everything he prescribes is liquid, chewable or dissolvable. All of my Vitamins are liquid or chewable as well so I'm not crushing anything. Hopefully your pain will be very minimal like mine. Not requiring much pain med at all now. I also bought liquid Tylenol right before my surgery just in case and I haven't opened that yet.

I'm in the same boat as u. I'm one week post-op wed and cannot stomach another Protein Shake. I would really love some yogurt or pudding! Just not sure if it is safe to do. Please any advice would help.

Sooooo I called my insurance this morning because I couldn't take the suspense and they told me I was approved!!! B.J' date=' I have Aetna which I know is not the same as yours but hopefully the outcome will be the same since it was a small gain. Keeping my fingers crossed for you![/quote']

Congrats!!

Okay questions Any complications either major or minor? Did you have a drain tube? How long from sign off of nutritionist' date=' until insurance approved and surgery was preformed? I am a nervous wreck right now.[/quote']

Surgery on 9/18, I was discharged the next day. I did not have a drain tube or a catheter. Minimal pain, more soreness than anything. Had a dilaudid PCA pump the during my stay in the hospital. Switching to oral pain med wasn't a problem. No nausea or vomiting at all. Still on Clear liquids as of today. My journey began at the beginning of this year. I have Cigna which requires 3 month dietary counseling. I actually finished everything in June. Getting everything submitted took a little longer than I anticipated. Insurance actually denied me twice b/c of some paperwork being missing. However, after resubmitting everything again, in august I received my approval letter and date for surgery.

My is on the 30....this clear liquid diet is killing me

The clear liquid diet is the hardest part.( I had to do 2 weeks) I once thought about giving up. But knowing what's to come kept me motivated. Today I'm 4 days post op and I feel great. Pain is minimal. No nausea/ vomiting....thank you Jesus!! Stay focused, before you know it you'll be on the losers bench!!

It could be any day now... Still waiting for insurance approval. For my fellow Cigna insurers' date=' how long did it take for you all?[/quote']

I have cigna as well. Pain in the butt. I got denied twice before they finally approved. My doctor had to make my case sound really good before they would approve. Each time they submitted it took maybe 3 days before hearing a reply. Just remember if they deny you, don't give up, it's probably something simple that your doctor forgot to submit. I also heard that if they continue to deny you that it is good to appeal. Just don't give up. Good Luck to you.

I had surgery on the 18th as well. I was discharged the very next day. Lots of gas and bloating. I gained 6 lbs also. Devastating but I know it's because of the iv fluids, etc.. Very minimal pain just some discomfort from the gas and soreness at the incision sites.

Good luck!

Thanks

I'm having my surgery with dr Richardson on the 18th. I've heard nothing but good things about him. Excited to say the least!!

Congrats!! 9-18 is my date and I can't wait!