I found out that Cinga denied me because of Medical Necessity....WTF!!!!! I'm not a happy camper. My BMI is over 40. I did everything they asked for. So know they are going to appeal. Stressed grrrrr

Cigna denies almost EVERYONE upfront. I was in tears the day I got mine. Then my primary dr just sent a new updated letter and two weeks later got my approval. Hold tight, it'll happen!

Thanks for all the awesome support :-)

Cigna denied me twice, denied the peer to peer then finally approved with bloodworm and extra documentation from PCP. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I meant to say bloodwork.

^{Good luck! Don't you think that part of the reason they are denying the surgery to morbidly obese people is that they hope the person will die while they are waiting? I know that that is a cynical remark, but...}

I don't want to get to excited yet. But I called Cinga and the automated service said it has been approved. So I called my doctors office to let them know asap. My birthday is next week so would love a date for my surgery as my birthday gift

Oh you got it in the bag baby!! Perfect birthday present!@

Sounding pretty awesome Mary. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

^{Good luck! Don't you think that part of the reason they are denying the surgery to morbidly obese people is that they hope the person will die while they are waiting? I know that that is a cynical remark, but...}

That is pretty cynical. LOL. In my opinion it all comes down to mostly money.

1. They want to ensure the patient is serious about changing their lifestyle and not just getting this magical surgery.

2. I believe they deny purposely with the hopes that the patient will give up their pursuit for coverage. Think about it, If they get two or three people out of a pool of 50 on a monthly basis to just give up after the first denial think about the money they would save in a years time.

Yeah but the flip side of that is...they will pay more down the line due to a lot of serious health issues that comes along with being morbidly obese. That was one of the reasons Medicare started covering bariatric surgery. Yeah they mighy shell out (or more like the tax payers will shell out) a big chunk off the bat, but if that lowers BP, cholesterol, DM and so on, then its worth it for them. Its a win win for both parties. But I agree with them finding canidates who are serious about it. I was never denied, but I called Cigna and was active with them and my PCP and the bariatric doctors office. Plus I'd had them back when I was thinner, so they watched all the weight pile on and all the comorbidities that went with the weight gain so maybe that's why they immediately approved me...

I have been aproved and have a date now. Sept 10th. Can't wait!!!

I have been aproved and have a date now. Sept 10th. Can't wait!!!

Yippee!!!!!!

I have finally been officially approved by Cinga. My Surgery date has changed and is scheduled for 9/17. This has been so stress for with the back and fourth with them. If I did not call them I would've still been waiting. Now I can be happy :-) Liquid diet start tomorrow.

Congratulations!! Also my Wife is being banded on the 16th!!

Congratulations!! Also my Wife is being banded on the 16th!!

Awesome!!! Thanks keep me updated would love to know how it goes for her :-)