Hi Everyone,

My name is Shannon and I'm currently in the process of getting approved for the sleeve. I joined an online support group when I was having fertility problems and it really helped to keep me informed (and sane) so I thought I'd do the same for this new journey.

I have three boys, ages 10, 3 and 18 months.

I've stalked the site for a few days, looking at before/after pictures and decided to finally introduce myself. You guys are inspirational, and have got me totally pumped to have this procedure!!!

I have CIGNA, which I hear can be a total PITA, so I'm hoping everything goes smoothly. Anyone else have CIGNA who wants to share some tips, it would be most appreciated:)

I look forward to getting to know everyone, and hopefully I will be sharing my success story one day soon!

Shannon:)

I have Cigna. The best thing you can have is an experienced insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office who knows exactly what their requirements are and how to meet them.

My coordinator was great -- she knew exactly what needed to be done, what the wording on the letters should be, etc. She put my package together and submitted it for approval and we got approval in under 24 hours.

So just be very clear on the requirements. They should be set out in your insurance member handbook. Cigna has some general policies, but if the policies in your member handbook are different (some employers negotiate different terms -- my requirements were very different from Cigna's general requirements), you need to follow the ones in your member handbook or at the very least call Cigna to clarify which govern. I have to say my experience with Cigna has been extremely positive throughout. Good luck to you!

Welcome aboard. I used to stalk the site as well, but I feel like when I joined and started posting, it was my first step on the journey. Congrats and good luck!

Welcome Shannon!

I've found this forum to be a huge source of information, compassion and support throughout the entire process.

Best of luck to you!!

welcome

This group has been very important to me the whole way through. Congradulations on your decision!

I have Cigna. The best thing you can have is an experienced insurance coordinator at your surgeon's office who knows exactly what their requirements are and how to meet them.

My coordinator was great -- she knew exactly what needed to be done, what the wording on the letters should be, etc. She put my package together and submitted it for approval and we got approval in under 24 hours.

So just be very clear on the requirements. They should be set out in your insurance member handbook. Cigna has some general policies, but if the policies in your member handbook are different (some employers negotiate different terms -- my requirements were very different from Cigna's general requirements), you need to follow the ones in your member handbook or at the very least call Cigna to clarify which govern. I have to say my experience with Cigna has been extremely positive throughout. Good luck to you!

Thank you! And thanks to everyone else for their welcome:)

My insurance coordinator is wonderful and has been doing this for a long time, so hopefully that works in my favor. I'm just above BMI 35 but I do have sleep apnea, which is hopefully my green ticket in.

My biggest concern right now is the physician evaluation. My PCP of 10 years retired last month and closed his office doors. I have to start seeing a new PCP and for one of my first questions to be, "Hey can you write me a letter clearing me for bariatric surgery?" I'm just nervous as to how this is going to go.

Welcome!!