Hey!

My name is Liz. I'm 20 yrs old. Currently about 255lbs, 5'7''.

I have been researching the lap-band specifically for about 4-5 months now.

I took my first step 2 weeks ago by calling my insurance company (Cigna)

and seeing if they covered the procedure (even if they didnt I was going to self-pay). But the great news is -- THEY DO!

I do have to pay a 500 dollar deductable -- and 20% of the procedure -- UP TO 2000 dollars - so the most I will pay is 2k. which isnt terrible at all!

So upon hearing the great news I called my doctor and made an appt for the 8th of January -- comming up!

The receptionist for Cigna told me I would have to go to him so that he could reffer me to a doctor who would perform the lapband procedure.

So I am very nervous and anxious.

I have of course many questions..I was hoping to share my journey and experiences here with everyone

Here are a few questions I have:

1.) I do meet the requirements for surgery - however -- I am afraid my dr. wont approve me -- has anyone had to go to a regular doctor first? Will he try to make me lose weight on my own? (I have tried everything - im sure his plan wouldnt work either)

2.) After meeting with your lap-band doctor -- how long does it take to get a date for surgery? -- I am hoping to have the surgery done by late march -- because this is when we are moving into a new apt, rent is prorated half -- and taxes should have come back by then..

3.) pay options : I have semi-okay credit -- what are the guidelines for pay-back options with this surgery...

4.) How long did you stay in the hospital for?

5.) For the women who have had c-sections with having babies -- is the surgery pain much like that ( I have had a baby through c-section).?

thanks so much!

1) I know the requirements for United Healthcare was a BMI of 40 or higher, 100 pounds over weight, or a BMI of something arouund 35 with some kind of health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.

2) I met with my doctor on 11/17 and got approved about two weeks later.

3) Insurance covers it.

4) I will be banded on 1/11 and my hospital stay will be at least two days, but most doctors allow patients to leave the same day of surgery.

5)Sorry no babies "yet", so not sure on that question.

I hope some of my answers helped, even though I'm not banded yet. Good luck.

Be BLESSED!

1) I know the requirements for United Healthcare was a BMI of 40 or higher, 100 pounds over weight, or a BMI of something arouund 35 with some kind of health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.

2) I met with my doctor on 11/17 and got approved about two weeks later.

3) Insurance covers it.

4) I will be banded on 1/11 and my hospital stay will be at least two days, but most doctors allow patients to leave the same day of surgery.

5)Sorry no babies "yet", so not sure on that question.

I hope some of my answers helped, even though I'm not banded yet. Good luck.

Be BLESSED!

Oh wow yea the same guidelines apply here in Florida for Cigna.

So about 2 months you had to wait.

Are you on any type of no food / shake diet?

Did your dr. want you to lose a few pounds on your own?

My insurance had a stat that I had to meet and it was 40 BMI. Does your insurance have that? I went straight to the surgeon. I didn't have to go to my primary. I only went to him for the pre blood work but no referral. I took 5 days off of work. The recovery was really easy. Other than that, best of luck to you.

My insurance had a stat that I had to meet and it was 40 BMI. Does your insurance have that? I went straight to the surgeon. I didn't have to go to my primary. I only went to him for the pre blood work but no referral. I took 5 days off of work. The recovery was really easy. Other than that, best of luck to you.

do I HAVE to go to my primary? I would like to save the embarrassment and 25 dollar copay! :peace:

However the cigna operator said nothing of meeting 40bmi requirements...just that they covered it. I am VERY close to 40 though.