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

Hey, check out the "2 week wait begins" thread. I have Cigna and I too was just denied becuse of the 6 mo. supervised weight loss attempt. The thing is, i DID the 6 months! But for whatever reason it isn't being accepted. I was told to have my doctor call and see if she could provide any information in the appeal. Girl I know how lame this is. I am so mad I have taken so much time to jump through all these hoops and they just deny you over something so stupid. Obviously when you are morbidly obese this surgery is such a tremendous help. For Cigna to insist on these arbitrary requirements is so insulting. I think thet seriously are just looking to weed people out and make it harder to stick it out and get approval. Don't give up yet, ok? Self-pay is a bunch of dough - even in Mexico. Hang in there!

I will say, if you have seen your doctor or surgeon for the last few months, that can count towards the 6 months. They just need to make some notes about their reccomendations and record your weight and what type of diet you follow. I say this as I've just been denied! So maybe I'm not the best to give advice on specifics. But hang in there, ok.