richj

I'm also scheduled for 2/23

I got approved through Cigna last month. It was my second attempt. I got denied the first time because I had chosen the wrong doctor/hospital combination. It was my own fault for not calling them to ask them about what was covered under "my" plan. I had gotten a referral from my main doc and called that surgeon and asked if they "took cigna" - they said yes, so I went through the 6 month process with them. The thing is, my particular plan didn't cover them, so 6 months later when we submitted, I was denied. So I had to start over with a new surgeon. I didn't really have to start over. All the paperwork I had done and ready was valid with the new surgeons office. They submitted it on a Friday in December, and I got the approval the following Tuesday. VERY FAST! My new surgeon's office almost didn't trust the response it was so fast. I had my surgery last Tuesday and am doing well. Yes, Cigna was difficult, but once you have your 'I's dotted and your 'T's crossed, they came through like lightning. Make sure you fulfill their coverage position pdf and have selected a doc/hospital combination that they approve (you need to call to be sure), and you should be good to go. Good luck!

Anybody else get banded on 1/13? I am now less than one week out and just now starting to feel human again.

Hi, My name is Rich. I live in Denver. Got my Band last Tuesday with Dr. Roller in Ft. Collins. Poudre Valley Hospital folks were awesome! Everybody that I came in contact with there was so super nice. I've, unfortunately, spent some time in different hospitals with my Mother last year until she died and I've never encountered hospital staff as nice and friendly as PVH. Anyway - new to the band, but have lived in CO for 19 years.

Hi, I was banded 1/13, so I am less than a week out. On pureed phase and my energy is very low. I was frustrated because 2 days after the surgery I was up 5 pounds, but it was all that Fluid they pumped into me in the hospital. That combined with me not eliminating as much because of the pain killers. Yesterday I was off pain killers completely and I DRAINED out - I am now down 12 pounds from the morning of the surgery. Will my energy level come back? All I want to do right now is sleeeeep.

I also was banded yesterday. I just got home from the hospital. Gas pain is starting up in shoulder.

Now that it is starting to sink in that this is really going to happen, I've ordered some vitamins and protein. vitacost.com has pretty good prices and decent shipping costs...

Now that it is starting to sink in that this is really going to happen, I've ordered some vitamins and protein. vitacost.com has pretty good prices and decent shipping costs...

In record time. Request went to Cigna on Friday, Got word today that I was approved. My surgery date is 1/13. Finally, after 3 years and 2 denials. I am on the road.

In record time. Request went to Cigna on Friday, Got word today that I was approved. My surgery date is 1/13. Finally, after 3 years and 2 denials. I am on the road.

No, I'm not drunk. This is my first post. I just finished a "Doctor monitored 6 month diet and exercise program" that my insurance required for the lap band procedure. The documents are now with the surgeon's office and they are sending in to my insurance this week. I am scared that insurance won't cover me. I have been working at this for so long, I tried once before when I was with Kaiser (don't get me started there) and they turned me down. Since then I have gained 30 pounds (BMI 46 now) , been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (Don't you just love CPAP machines), asthma, hypertension, and back and knee problems. Ok, AM I SICK ENOUGH NOW?!!!! This time it isn't with Kaiser, but I know how healthcare bureaucracies work (I work in one) - and even though I am certain, my doctor is certain, and everybody I know is certain that I am a perfect candidate for this surgery, I am worried that some stupid technicality will disqualify or delay me. If you have read this far, you have a better attention span than I do. Thanks for your attention. I'll keep you posted.