Here I am only 3 days away from my surgery date and the surgeon's office just called... now I am sitting her in tears! Although my HMO approved the surgery, when the hospital went to my insurance company... they declined. I have Cigna HMO. My surgeon's office is now frantically trying to work with Cigna and my HMO to find out how this happened and to seek approval.

Please say a prayer for me. I didn't realize how badly I wanted the Lap-Band until I got that phone call and as soon as I hung up I burst into tears.

I know I can still appeal, but how could they do this only 3 days from surgery when I am sitting here looking at an authorization letter from my HMO???

I am going to try and keep my hopes up over the weekend, the surgeon's office said they should have a go/no-go decision by Monday noon. I am supposed to do everything as planned, so this means my "clear liquids" begin on Monday.

Thanks for reading my post and please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Hi Anne! My name is Kim and I live in Sacramento. I went to one of Dr. Machado's seminars a few months ago and had an appointment scheduled with her until I found out that my insurance company, Blue Cross, doesn't approve the band. I would love to talk to you about your experience when you recover from your surgery. Good luck and please email me.

WOW! What a surprising turn of events. I hope the surgery went smoothly. :confused: Congratulations!

Hi Everyone,

I have to say once more... that everyone on this board is so supportive and I just think you are wonderful.

I have been united with my Lap-Band and everything went well. The only down side was that I spent 6.5 hours in recovery because they did not have a room for me at the hospital... but it was OK as I was in a nice bed already and not sitting on a gurney all that time.

I am in more pain than I thought I would (I always thought I had a high threshold for pain), but the liquid Tylenol helps and the liquid Vicodin at night is a savior. Every day gets better and I am pleased to be on my Lap-Band journey. I am hungrier than I thought I would be and must stay on Clear liquids (with the exception of 2 Protein drinks a day) until at least my first pre-op appointment which is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Thank you all for your warm wishes and support. Even though I lived an emotional rollercoaster the 3 days prior to surgery, I think it was best. I really didn't have time to get nervous because everything happened so quickly.

I look forward to sharing with all of you along the way and please keep sharing your experiences because I learn so much.

Take Care and thanks again.

Congratulations Anne

I'm soooo happy for you.:confused:

Congratulations!

I am so Happy for you... Hope it will be me soon TOO!

Thanks Vera and Umonica. I really appreciate everyone's support.

Wow Ann..........I had tears in my eyes when I read your posts. Talk about how the pedulum swings. Welcome to band land. May the only rollercoaster you ride now, be the one at Disney World. Get better quick. I found those hand held blenders were a godsend for me I pulverized about everything those first couple of weeks, I found it difficult to eat the same food twice, so I basically blended whatever I was in the mood for.......tomato soup only goes so far.................take care.....Gabby

I did not have any idea of what had happened to you. What a ride. I thought you went the day after me. But I have not seen a post recently so I hope you are recovering wonderfully. Yes this site is so wonderful for support. I wish you the very best and I am so glad your insurance came too. I am a week ahead so you can always share with me. Hope you are feeling better from surgery.

Hi Gabby,

Thank you for your kind post. I really felt like the folks on this forum were the only one's that could truely understand what I was going through... and I am so glad I shared because everyone has been so supportive. Regarding Disney World... I have never been, but it is nice to know that if I ever do get there I now have a chance of fitting into the seats!:confused:

Hi Teri,

I have been following your progress and thank you for sharing. So far, I have been trailing behind you pretty much on schedule. Today is exactly 1 week since surgery and I feel soooo much better. Everyday I have more energy and am able to get around without the same pain as the day before. My first post-op appointment is tomorrow and as of this morning I had lost 8lbs. Thanks for your support.

hi sassaay, keep up the good work! dont forget to update your auto sig! :confused: