kickiegirl

I found that yesterday I felt better after walking and doing as much as possible around the house. But...I did too much. Also I didn't eat until the evening and I drank my soup too fast and had a stomach ache all night. This is definately a learning experience. Hope all is well for you too! Also the heating pads have been helping a lot!

Hey...doing well. Hope everyone else is too. 22lbs lost from pre op.

Hi everyone! I just got banded on Wednesday, Nov. 8th. I've been sleeping pretty much all the time since then. Yesterday and today I've had the horrible shoulder pains from gas and I can't seem to alieviate it. I have been taking Gas-x and that doesn't help. Anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks, Michelle

Good Luck to you Emily!!!

Hey...I spoke with a Cigna nurse after they denied my claim. She said at the monthly checks they require weigh-in, bp & pulse. Also discussion of what type of diet you are on, exercise program & behavior modification. However, I would HIGHLY recommend contacting the obesity lawyers Walter & Kelley Lindstrom. They work for you fighting insurance. Also Inamed, the manufacturer of LAPBAND, is doing a new program where if they feel you have a good case against insurance they will cover the lawyer fees. I've heard nothing but good things about these lawyers, and I was quite hesitant to pursue getting them to represent me, but I qualified for the Inamed program. I also look at it this way...you can self-pay or pay a small amount for a lawyer who has been fighting insurance companies for 10 years...that's if you don't qualify for the Inamed program. Which, it sounds like you should!!!!! Also you can speak to the lawyers for free and they can tell you if you have a good case. They will not represent you if they feel they can not win approval for you! Here is their website. http://www.obesitylaw.com/ Good luck! My thoughts are with you as you are on your journey to fight Cigna along with me! :gluck:

I also am in the struggle with Cigna. Apparently you have to have 6 months consecutive dr visits....blah blah blah included. However, I have employed the help of Walter & Kelley Lindstrom (the obesity lawyers)... they have advised me on several issues. Also, Inamed, the manufacturer of LAPBAND, has a new program where if you are denied approval and they feel you have a good case for LAPBAND surgery they will cover your lawyer fees. I don't know where you are located, but the center where I found my surgeon is wonderful. NorthWest Weighloss Surgery Center. They have helped me through the whole process thus far and are pros at what insurance companies want to see etc. Here are some helpful links for more info http://www.thelapband.com/FlashHome.cfm?pagename=mm1 http://www.obesitylaw.com/ Good Luck! Don't give up!!!!

The practice Obesity Law....this is the website. I hope it helps. www.obesitylaw.com Good Luck...keep in touch!

oh!!! And even better news! INAMED accepted my application!

I have started having treatments. I got an amazing package deal. $600 for chin & upperlip w/ unlimited treatments for a year. I have to agree though about the pain. It does hurt, but well worth it. Also I have to say that they specified that I could not pluck or wax the hairs while doing this treatment because it removes the hair folicle that they are trying to zap...therefore never really getting rid of any hairs. They said shaving was fine. I've had 3 treatments so far and I no longer have to shave every day. It's wonderful! Props to everyone!

I'm so excited! I just got an acceptance email! I'm now represented by the Obesity Lawyers! ALSO!!! INAMED has an appeal program where if they feel you have a good case for appeal against insurance denial then they will cover the lawyer fees!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!! Cigna will PAY! lol :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Michelle BMI 52.5

That's a great deal if you get it around here you have to pay $17,100. However do you have insurance to cover your fills?

do you mind if I ask how much?

Hello all! Glad to find more people going to NW Weight loss surgery center! I love that place. I also have Dr. Montgomery. I am currently in the battle with Cigna....yuck! Good luck to all of you!

what made you decide to go with the surgery in Mexico?

I live on the outskirts of Granite Falls, technically Arlington! I'd be interesting in chatting and finding out more about your Lapband adventures as I have just begun mine. I got the insurance denial yesterday & the Cigna nurse called me today. Lemme know! -Michelle Russo

Hello everyone! I just got denied by Cigna. I didn't have all the proper dr. notation of monthy weigh-ins and such that they require...which is a pile of horse sh*t! I've been obese for at least 9 years, and overweight since puberty. My bmi right now is 52. The center that I am going with for the surgery has been somewhat helpful, however, one of their employees had lead me to believe that I would have no problem being approved. Therefore, I waited until I heard back from the insurance. Now I have to go on another 6 month diet, which, the claims director at the surgery center told me "don't be too successful at it". GRRRR!!!!! If I would have followed my instincts in the beginning I would have gone to my PCP right away and got on the diet at that point. Now I have wasted nearly 3 months! I'm so frustrated! Anyone have Cigna? Anyone use a lawyer to fight their claim??? Please let me know. I don't know how much long I can stand this!!!! LOL! -Michelle Russo, WA

Hi...Michelle, outskirts of Granite Falls...technically Arlington. I am waiting to get on my husband's insurance that DOES cover weightloss surgery!!! I'm so excited. Good luck with your journey!!!

Thank you all for your welcoming messages. I believe this will be my new favorite site!! Everyone has been so nice, and find that everyone has been so open to share their experiences. I greatly appreciate it! Good luck to everyone in their own individual journeys!

Hi! My name is Michelle. I am 28 and am looking into Lap band or Gastric bypass....I'm not sure which as I have to talk to the surgeon yet. I am also trying to convince my husband to do it too...he would probably only do lap band as he is totally against surgery in any form. I have 2 wonderful children.... dd 6, Miranda...in kindergarten...and ds 4, Mason...preschool. I live in WA state...born and raised. Look to meet friends and get advise. I love emails...so feel free to email me. kickiegirl@yahoo.com Take care!