Hello,

I go for my first visit next (very excited). I was told that my first visit should take about 4 -6 hours and I would be visiting with several different people.

What should I expect. Will this be my first and "Official" start weight, will they measure my height, will they do medical exams, draw blood, ekg, will they go over my entire medical history or will I just sit and talk (or listen) to several different people?

I can't wait to get this started.

You'll probably meet with the surgeon, a nutritionist, and mabye a psychologist. I had an hour long visit with the surgeon on a different day. Then we went in for a class on Lap Band surgery and what to expect before, during and after, what to eat before and after also. This all took about 3 hours. My bloodwork, EKG were done at my primary care docs office. Yes, they will weigh you too. Best wishes on your new journey!!!

On my first appointment; I talked to the surgeon; he weighed me and explained how the lapband works; told me I was a great candidate; I drank barium in front of an xray just to make sure there was no obstruction or signs of a hiatal hernia; I sat with the insurance person and she told me what I needed to do pre-surgery for insurance; she scheduled my nutritionist appt; my recurring behavioral appts; my sleep study; and my final consultation appt;

The only thing I had to schedule myself was the psych eval.

They all differ but I was told that my official starting weight was that done on my first visit. I have seen some people say that there starting weight was when they met with nutritionist.

My primary care physician is playing absolutely no part in this. I am just keeping him updated with my status.

Thank you guys for taking the time to respond.

I can't imagine how the next 6 months will go fast like others write. It will only be 2 weeks from the night of the seminar to my first appointment and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to come.

Cathy

Cathy,

The wait time is a good thing! It gives you plenty of time to research what has to be done to make the band work for you. It also gives you time to modify your eating habits gradually so you will be ready when the time comes.

Make sure to read as many testimonials as possible. The successes and the failures. Read the posts here where people ask the same questions over and over because they didn't take the time to research.

Finally, don't be impatient. You are young and have the rest of your life ahead of you.

With an appointment length that long, it sounds like you'll be seeing all the specialists who need to clear you for surgery. That's really great; they can get your case submitted to insurance quickly.

Does your insurance require six month supervision? if not, you may find that you're on your way sooner than you imagined!

Good luck!

Hi Betsy,

Your words are real encouraging and I certainly hope things progress quickly. I have been reading and studying for quite a while and have no doubt this is what I want to do.

I have Cigna Open Access which covers bariatric surgery 100% if all criteria are met.

Cigna states:

Failure of medical management including evidence of active participation within the last 2 years in a weight-management program that is supervised either with a PCP or a Registered Dietician for a minimum of 6 months without significant gaps.

For individuals with long-lasting, morbid obesity, participation in a program within the last 5 years is sufficient if reasonable attendance in the weight-management program over an extended period of time of at least 6 months can be demonstrated.

I am a little fuzzy on exactly how to interpret the above paragraph. Sounds to me that I can either qualify with the 2 year or 5 year requirement.

I have 5 years of weight management with a PCP all coded as weight management visits. 7 visits in 2005 and around 4 visits each year for the remaining 4 years. Weights, diets and exercise are discussed on most visits, so I really don't know if Cigna will consider those visits I have provided the surgeon with 1 yr fitness center receipts, 1 yr curves receipts and receipt for purchase of my treadmill.

I have no health problems except being fat. My gallbladder was removed 2 years ago tomorrow (Valentines day) and an oversized fibroid tumor with my uterus was removed 6 months ago.

How do you interpret Cigna's diet requirement?

Cathy

I have Cigna and had to do 6 months of meetings with a dietician .. Only two more to go!! :biggrin: I hope all those years of weight management will pay off for you! Good luck!!

Hi Betsy,

Your words are real encouraging and I certainly hope things progress quickly. I have been reading and studying for quite a while and have no doubt this is what I want to do.

I have Cigna Open Access which covers bariatric surgery 100% if all criteria are met.

Cigna states:

Failure of medical management including evidence of active participation within the last 2 years in a weight-management program that is supervised either with a PCP or a Registered Dietician for a minimum of 6 months without significant gaps.

For individuals with long-lasting, morbid obesity, participation in a program within the last 5 years is sufficient if reasonable attendance in the weight-management program over an extended period of time of at least 6 months can be demonstrated.

I am a little fuzzy on exactly how to interpret the above paragraph. Sounds to me that I can either qualify with the 2 year or 5 year requirement.

I have 5 years of weight management with a PCP all coded as weight management visits. 7 visits in 2005 and around 4 visits each year for the remaining 4 years. Weights, diets and exercise are discussed on most visits, so I really don't know if Cigna will consider those visits I have provided the surgeon with 1 yr fitness center receipts, 1 yr curves receipts and receipt for purchase of my treadmill.

I have no health problems except being fat. My gallbladder was removed 2 years ago tomorrow (Valentines day) and an oversized fibroid tumor with my uterus was removed 6 months ago.

How do you interpret Cigna's diet requirement?

Cathy