crecia1975

Thanks for the response. You're right. I just need to call Dr. Kim's office. I just feel like I have stupid questions, but I know they will answer anything I ask.

I have never heard of an office that has never had an approval from Cigna. I have Cigna and they approved me. My surgeons office works w/ Cigna (along w/ lots of other insurance) all of the time. Cigna will approve as long as you submit everything they ask for. My policy required a 6 month Dr. supervised diet, nutritionist visit, sleep study, letter of medical neccessity from my PCP and psych evaluation. You may need to chose a new surgeon if these people are telling you they never get an approval from Cigna.

It's normal to be scared, but don't let it prevent you from doing what you know you have to do. I know where you are coming from. I was just banded on Oct 12th and I was petrified because I figured I would fail yet again. I gained weight in the months before my surgery because I thought "I will never be able to have this again!" and I ate like a fool! Now I know nothing is "forbidden" as long as you don't overindulge. You are also worrying too much about what other people have to say or what they may think. This is all about YOU! When I decided to have surgery this is the one time I just did what I wanted to do. It doesn't have anything to do w/ anyone else. If you really want this, YOU CAN DO IT! I also come from a family of skinny people, and I plan to be classified as skinny again myself. When you feel alone, log into this forum. There are lots of people here to talk to and help you. I've gotten a lot of help and good advice here. You also mentioned you don't know what to eat. Ask your doctor's office if they have suggestions or you can look here. There are lots of good recipes and suggestions here. Instead of being angry w/ yourself, you should be proud because you are doing something about your weight. You didn't just sit back and do nothing. You stepped up and said "I need help". I really, really hope this works out for you. Like I said, I just started this journey and I felt like you before it started. Things will work out better then you think they will. Good Luck to you!!

Thank you very much isaviolinist. I log my food and exercise, but I need to start logging it on fitday. It sounds like a great tool and will help me when I go to see the doctor for my first fill. This will be a big help if I get to a point where I'm not losing anything. Thanks again!

I had to sleep in our recliner. There is no way I could get in and out of bed or get in a good position. It hurt trying to get in and out of it. It will get better before you know it and it's so worth it!!

That's a good one! I may have to use that one if I decide to have cocktails any time soon. I don't drink that often, but when I do I like to get my drink on!

Well put Fran. Exactly what I would have said.

Congrats and good luck to you!

Cherie, I was banded Oct 12th and I felt just like you. I didn't have any appetite and my hubby had to make me get in my water and shakes for Protein. I didn't even want my crystal light at first. I was also very sleepy.

honk, You said it a lot better than me. That's what I was trying to get across. Thanks!

They do not want you to fail when you do the 6 months supervised diet. I didn't do that well, but I know other people who lost weight and they were approved. Cigna goes by your beginning weight when all of the paperwork is submitted. Don't feel like you are getting farther away from surgery. Every phone call, appointment and inquiry you make brings you one step closer. Don't feel like you will be fat the rest of your life. You are very young so you still have lots of time to get the surgery you want. You also need to understand that the surgery is not a cure all. It can only help one aspect of your life and it will be hard work. I hope you figure out what you want to do and I hope it all works out for you.

I also have Cigna. They have a lot of requirements, but you must follow them. It's true that no one usually has doctor supervised weight loss attempts in the past, but you'll have to do it now to get approved. I'm not sure which Cigna plan you have, but mine required 6 months supervised diet, sleep study, therapist visit, nutritionist appointment and a letter of medical clearance from my PCP. In the beginning, I thought "hmm, why can't they just look at my medical records and see that I am fat?" There's a lot more to it and they just want to make sure you are mentally and physcally ready for this kind of surgery. I guess they want to make sure you really want this and you're ready before they pay for it. If you really want this, you will do exactly as they say. I started in March and I was banded on Oct 12th. The time will fly by before you know it. Good Luck.

Congrats to you!!! I remember how excited I was to get an approval. Your surgery day will be here before you know it. Good Luck!! :wink2:

I had a headache starting on day 1 of my liquid diet. All I did was take some tylenol and then just waited it out. Mine only lasted about a day and a half or so. Your body is trying to adjust to the shock of no sugars, carbs and the like. It will get much better.

I was also banded on the 12th, but I'm still on liquids through next Tuesday. My follow up appointment is on the 26th and I can't wait to see what the scale will say. It's great to see how excited you are. I am too! I said I wasn't going to tell anyone I got banded, but I feel like I'm going to burst! I told a few people, but not the whole world like I want to I wish you much success in your journey!!

I was just banded on the 12th and I haven't been hungry AT ALL. I have to fight to make sure I get in all my water and some shakes for protein. I'm getting my vitamins, but I'm afraid I'm not getting enough calories and that scares me. I don't want my body to freak out, but I'm just not hungry. I never thought I would type those words, but it's the truth. Has anyone else had this issue??

Thanks for all of your comments. They helped me a lot. I also called my surgeons office and they assured me I was doing fine as long as I get in my Water, Vitamins and Protein. Thanks again!

My surgery is tomorrow at 9:30. Good luck to everyone!

Hey there Monica!! I saw your email and things are getting better. I'll send you an email.

Ummmm. Is this really the place for this post?

conservachick I also live in Fort Worth, but I'm more South than you...close to Crowley and Burleson. I'm not banded, but I will be by Dr. Kim. He is awesome and he has a great staff. My surgery date is on Oct. 12th. Just one short week away!!!!:tongue2:

I would be interested to see responses to this as well. My new "Birthday" is the 12th, also!

This is a good one. I also think about dancing again.....WITHOUT breathing hard and sweating everywhere!!

I know all insurance is different, but my surgeon's office found out all of my insurance requirements before submitting a thing. They contacted Cigna and got all of the requirements before I even had my first visit. That way I wouldn't be wasting my time for nothing. Did you ask Tricare what the requirements are when you called? That might help.

I'm on day 2 of the liquid diet and it's ok so far. My hunger was ok yesterday, but I got a headache and it kicked my butt!!