Freebird

I found online that the policy we have covers lap band surgery AFTER six months medically supervised diet, psychiatric evaluation, support group meetings, proven exercise, etc., etc. Do not miss a visit or you start all over. I have one more visit (Thursday) and they will be sending my paperwork into Cigna and hopefully I get approved on the first go around. But who knows. I printed all of their "qualifications" out when I found them online and the doctor I am working with is very familiar with what Cigna requires, so I truly have my fingers crossed this will work the first time. You need to call your Cigna talk to somebody and ask them e mail or mail you the qualification list so you know up front what is expected, plus, you have it in writing. I wish you the very best of luck.

I need to vent. I just sent a letter to Cigna today telling them what I thought of the in-network psychiatrist they referred to me and ask them to pay the copay they say I owe. The psychiatrist (if you want to call him that) cussed, talked about his pains, his surgeries, his fast car, and wanted to discuss MY sex life and religion beliefs. Now what the heck does all of this have to do with losing weight and improving my health? Exactly!!!! Absolutely nothing. I had no intention of sitting in a strange man's office listening to him say f --- this, f --- that for two hours!!! I did not dare walk out because I want this surgery way too bad. Anyway, I hope Cigna sees fit to pay my copay. Oh, and, he billed them $760.00 for two hours!!!! I am in the wrong profession. Thanks for listening.

I have Cigna also and nothing has been said, nor can I find it in their "qualification" list about needing pictures. I would call again if I were you and I bet you get a different answer. Good luck.

They want to see how much you want the surgery and how much effort you are willing to put into it. They do not want to pay for the surgery and therefore do everything they can to discourage you. I have to do 6 months, exercise at a gym, get a psych evaluation, and then hope they approve it. However, I have learned a lot and have a good chance of success through the education and effort that I have put into this for the past five months. So, we CAN show the insurance companies that we are determined to go through with the weight loss and live longer, happier, healthier lives. Good luck to you.

LOL, you are too funny. Congratulations on being banded however. I should be banded between now and Christmas, I hope. Waiting for insurance authorization. It is sad what you said about deer laying all over. In Wyoming, if your not gonna eat it, don't kill it!!! But, that is Wyoming. I wish you the best.

I did not go hunting this year but would really enjoy getting back to it next year, but will be banded (God willing) and am wondering if it is tough to expend all of that energy all day or if it is possible to handle it without problems, or at least minimal problems. I can pack protein drinks/food with me but generally when I am hunting, I forget to eat.

I am an at-home Radiology Medical Transcriptionist. I absolutely love my job. I do not have to get dressed, drive to an office, put up with office politics, or put up with supervisor's that promise, promise, promise and NEVER deliver. I live in Wyoming but work for a company in Pennsylvania and transcribe for a hospital in Michigan, all over the internet.

Donna, did you have to do the psych evaluation? I did mine two days ago. The psychologist could not stop saying the "f" word or talking about himself. I am anxiously waiting to see if I "qualify" for the surgery according to him. So, right now, my life and health lie in the hands of a man that can't stop saying the "f" word!!! Talk about depressing.

I have two more visits to go and am now losing weight and so I hope to qualify. I can't lose tooooooooo much however, or will be below the 100 pound mark. Arrrrrrrrrrgggggggghh.

Just signed up for FitDay and I will see exactly what I am intaking.

and I am down to two months left of their 6 month requirement and I have not lost weight on the "medically supervised diet", I have gained 4 pounds and I am so scared they are going to deny me. It has me up at night, I can't sleep, I can't stop thinking about. I have done everything that has been ask of me. I exercise 5 days a week, I have cut out fast foods, pop, etc. I just want to cry at this point. Thanks for listening. :cry

I am nearing the insurance qualification period of 6 months, only 2 more to go. I was really close to the "qualifying mark" of BMI and 100 pounds overweight. But, no fear!!!! I have put on more weight, not funny and in fact it is very depressing but the weight just does not stop coming. Am hoping for surgery in December. Good luck!

I too am new to this forum. I am nearly the end of my insurances 6 month preparation and hoping to have surgery by the end of the year. Do you have support group meetings that you can go to? I go and they are very helpful and I believe it is natural to be scared. We will get through this, together, and succeed. Be positive, positive, positive. Lynn