slimteacherin08

I know when I was over 320 pounds I would do water aerobics. My gym offered it three nights a week. That was a good work out for me. Then two nights out of the week I would walk my neighborhood, just setting little goals while walking (i.e. I will walk to the street light and back) and then add on. GOOD LUCK!

Sometimes you have to look at the company paying CIGNA to be their insurance provider. I know that I had to throw out the name of my husband's company (who our insurance is under) in order to get things rolling. I am not saying it was a walk in the park. I had to work for it and was ready to get my husband's employer involved if need be. Seems how it is really their money and not CIGNA's. We have always had good results with them....so I am thinking maybe it has to do MORE with my husband's employer, rather than just the insurance company! Welcome to bandland!!! Enjoy the results!

I think we all learn the hard way! That is what it all is....a learning experience. I think we all know deep down not to drink when stuck but we try it because it would seem logical. I know after this last week, that I will NEVER do that again. I hope other follow your advice!

It took Cigna a month to let me know I was approved...and the only reason I knew in a month is because I had to strong arm them. I called them everyday for three weeks. Finally someone messed up and told me I would know by the end of the week (during week 4.) So when I didn't hear by the end of that week, I called and force them to give me answer. I had to let them know that the surgeon was waiting for a reply because I already had a surgery date scheduled. Don't back down! Stay on top of them. Good luck!

I am glad you aren't giving up! :tongue_smilie: Some people reach obstacles and that makes them give up and just live with being unhappy. I am glad you are continuing on your journey! GOOD LUCK!

Hello mljalways and kimmyv, I know what you mean mljalways...I jumped through insurance hoops for 8 months and was so scared they wouldn't approve me. I felt as though I could get my hopes up! It is VERY nerve racking. Eventually they came through. I hope you are able to find a surgeon to work with....have you tried Dr. Fusco? kimmyv...how did you first fill go? I know what you mean....I am so glad I went with Dr. Fusco, I feel their program was well worth it all. You have to go with what is comfortable for you.

I am from Titusville. I was banded 8/25/08 by Dr. Fusco with Lifeshape. How about you?

I am sorry to hear that. Does it have to do with what company is using CIGNA? :crying:

I know each CIGNA is not the same, but it could be close. I know that this past summer when I put everything through to CIGNA, they did need proof of weight from two years ago. I just used the records from a visit I made because of the flu. Call CIGNA and see what they need from you. Good Luck!

I have to say now that it has been over a month since my surgery....I am impressed with the coverage that CIGNA gives. We only paid $850 out of pocket for the entire surgery! Very impressive. My husband and I were planning on having to pay more, but it turned out very nice. Just wanted people to know that insurance comes through, even though we might have to wait forever!

Keep your head up and stay strong. It is a learning process for us all! Don't let it get you down. I have found I am learning what works for me and what doesn't. I don't count calories, because my doctor told me to eat three 4 oz. meals a day. So I weigh everything that goes into my mouth. Then I drink no cal. or low cal. drinks all day. Are you weighing your food? Maybe that will help. Keep working hard you will find what works! Like others have said, if it wasn't working you wouldn't see the drop in clothing sizes. That means your body is losing the fat and making muscle. There will come a point when it will start to drop. Just have to find what works for you! Good luck!

Awesome job! You are doing GREAT!

My doctor told me that the time before the first fill, is a healing time. Just a time for your body to get use to the band being in you. Then as you get fills you will start to find your "green zone." I am scheduled to go for fills every two weeks for the first three months. That way he can work on finding that right tightness that aids in losing. So right now just keep fighting the head battle of hunger. I know it was hard for me. Realize the time will come when the weight will just melt off, but remember to keep following the guidelines. I just remind myself how long it took me to lose 17 or 18 pounds before the band. I believe it took me three months or so on Weight Watchers! So hey, I am ahead of the game! Good luck!

I had a fill a week and half ago. I was on one day of liquids and one day of mushies. Then it was back to regular food. I feel a little bit of restriction, but not a lot. I go back on Wednesday. I will go every two weeks for the first three months. So that is nice! :tongue: