Well I went yesterday for my first appointment. BMI 36.1, so I meet that requirement (remember I have diabetes and high triglycerides). Met with the endocrinologist (for diabetes) I have to get my blood sugar down under a 8A1C, currently at 9.3, had a ton of blood work done, met with nutritionist, and a surgery coordinator.

Dr told me I have a 90-95% chance of leaving the hospital without my insulin pump! How awesome that will be!

The surgery coordinator, gave me a list of requirements for my insurance. One BIG problem.....I have to give a 3 year weight history, well I have that, but I having not been over a 35 BMI for 3 years. My BMI blow up after being put on insulin. And continues to raise. I have been obese for years, but not morbid obese until the past year or so. I ask if my BMI had to be at 35+ for the past 3 years to be approved, she said, "normally, however it depends whose desk it lands on and sometimes what co-morbiditys you have"!

I have called my insurance (CIGNA) and searched and searched everything I can find on the web and no where does it say that being at my current BMI for 3 years is required for approval.

Dr said I have MAJOR insulin resistant which means, I make insulin, I take insulin, but my body cells won't allow it in. This mean I have to take more insulin!!! OMG, which causes more weight gain, it's a vicious cycle!

So now of course I'm upset! The Dr said the surgery is the best thing I can do, to put my diabetes in remission and get off all the meds I'm on.

I'm going to proceed. My company's insurance is self-funded, which I've read I can appeal with my employer if Cigna denies me. I can't imagine them denying me when I lay in front of them how much they pay out every year for all my medicine and Dr visits due to my diabetes! They will save a tone of money in the long run.

So now I have to track my blood sugar before every meal for 5 days and fax that back to the endocrinologist . Then he will adjust my insulin! I have to make an appoint of course for my psych visit. Then I have to have a endoscopy of my esophagus, I also have major acid reflux and Barrettes esophagus. The surgeon wants to let at the "territory" before he operates.

Plus 3 month of classes/diet.

I suddenly feel like my head is falling off!!! It's a lot!

I'm going to try and remain positive I need to make this happen!

Ren

it seems like a lot at the beginning but hang in there because if you are committed to it the months will go by before you know it. And on a good note I was on 2 pills, sliding scale insulin and a night time dose of another type of insulin of which as of a week ago had no need for any and my last fasting check was 82.

Here are Cigna's requirements that I found. I also have Cigna and Tricare standard. I also called Cigna to get all the details of what was required and they also pointed me to the attched pdf document.

mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

Hi I also have Cigna open access plus and just made my last weight check for march 10. I so understand the wait and just all the frustration of it all. I keep looking at the end of the tunnel and there is a light that does get brighter so just keep on keep'in on!! Jump thru those hoops cause we are in it to be healthy and enjoy our well deserved lives!!