Well today I saw my surgeon (Dr. Naaman in Houston) and he agrees that I am a good candidate for the lap band. I completed all of my pre-op requirements for surgery, per Cigna,...psych eval, dietician consult, 6 month medically supervised diet (I actually did 7 though), diet history for the last 5 years, and 2 recommendation letters indicating that this is medically necessary. My BMI is 43 and I have GERD, chronic back pain, chronic knee pain, borderline high blood pressure, and depression. Sooooo the insurance girl at the surgeon's office said she will submit everything to Cigna in about 2 weeks...why it will take so long, I don't know because she has everything there in my chart, but anyway, after she submits she said that she will be in touch with Cigna every 2 weeks until they make a decision. The finance lady said that if I have everything that Cigna asks for, that they usually will approve the surgery. So please pray that I get approved! Also, do you think I should call Cigna at all during the approval process if the insurance girl says she is going to call every 2 weeks?

Peace out...

T~:hippie:

I am not sure about Health Link, but I bet if you start a thread, someone here is. I wish you luck in your journey to bandland!!

Peace Out

T~:hippie:

Well I broke down and called Cigna today. I could not get anyone to answer whether or not they had my paperwork on file for sure. I talked to 3 different people. I don't know whether to try again tomorrow and ask that I speak to the person handling my case, if there even is such a person, or should I just wait the three weeks like my doctor said? My fear is that after the 3 weeks when I haven't heard anything back, that Cigna will say "We never got anything" and then I have wasted 3 weeks. I am a school teacher and I really need to have this surgery the first week of summer as I have a ton of plans this summer. Any suggestions anybody?

Thanks and Peace Out!

T~:hippie:

Tanderson, to be honest with you I would bug the hell out of them until you get an answer. I called UHC daily when I was going through the approval process. They should be able to tell you if they received everything and where it is in the approval process for sure. Keep calling and good luck. Julie

Well, I just got off the phone again with Cigna...I must have held my mouth right or something, because the guy I talked to was extremely nice (Mark) and he ACTUALLY gave me some concrete information. He was able to determine that there has been 22 pages of medical records scanned into their system on 4-11-07 and that they were sent to the review team today. So my review date begins today, 4-19-07, and they have to have an answer in 30 calendar days...so please keep sending those awesome vibes my way...I will do to the same for you all too!! :pray:

Peace Out,

T~ :hippie:

Hey T,

I have Cigna too. When I first called, they didn't seem to have my paperwork on record...but when the woman from the surgical clinic called, she seemed to know who to ask and what question.

Eventually, I called back and they fast-tracked my answer for me. Just continue to call. Then, one day, they put me thru to someone in another department and he told me I was approved. Happiest day ever. 8 mos of waiting...over in 2 seconds.

GOOD LUCK!

I am so upset, I found out a couple of weeks ago that my insurance won't pay they don't think it is medically neccesary. My first thought was to give up and forget about it, but I really want to ahve it done. Does anyone have any suggestions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have heard from several people that have used lawyers and sued after being denied surgery... and won! Don't give up if this is what you really want! You may want to start a thread asking other members about this.

Dont Give Up!!!!!!!

:update: :clap2: :clap2: Just got off the phone with Cigna and I was approved on 4-26. I called Amanda at Dr. Naaman's office and she cannot put me on the books until the approval letter is in her hands. But at least the hard part is over (the red tape part that is). She said once the letter is in I can be on the books in as quick as two weeks!!! I am getting nervous now!!! Thanks everyone for those positive vibes. I am sending them your way as well wherever needed. WOO HOO!!!!:clap2: :amen: :bump2: :music: :(

Peace Out,

T~ :hippie:

Congrats!!!

Congratulations Tanderson!! :clap2:

WOOO HOOO!!!!

I'm excited for you!

I'm still waiting to hear back from insurance... I was told they may hear something today...

Congratulation!!! It is an awsome feeling, wright? Here is a dance for you:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :whoo: :Banane20: :Banane20: :Banane20: :Banane20: :bananajump: :) :Banane57: :Banane35: :Banane35: :Banane35: :Banane01: :Banane01: :Banane01: :Banane33: :Banane33: :Banane33:

Hey everyone,

My surgery is scheduled on June 4th...woo hoo. I have to go for all of my pre-op tests and to meet with my surgeon again on May 28th. I can't believe that I am finally in the home stretch to becoming a bandster.

My surgeon does not require a special pre-op diet. All that he asks is that you begin walking 30 minutes a day, take 2 Flinstones chewable tablets, and drinking 8 glasses of Water a day. I am curious what diets other bandsters have been on prior to their surgery?

Thanks in advance to everyone's support!

Peace Out!

T~:hippie:

I attended a siminar a year ago. I am now finally ready. I have a psy. evaluation 5-10-07. Surgery consult on 5-21-07. I have gathered up 10 years worth of records and have letters from 3 physicians. I have reflux, both knees replaced, insomia, depression, anxiety attacks and high colest. Is it totally necessary to see a Dr. for 6 months for weigh ins? Also can I see any dietician in my area or did your Dr. set this up?

Thanks,

JP

Hey Jpayton,

As far as the 6 month weigh ins being mandatory, that all depends on your insurance company. I can only speak in regards to Cigna. Cigna requires certain things, that being one, and I am told that if you comply with their requirements, then approval usually will come. So, to answer your question, you would have to ask your insurance company.

As far as the dietician goes, I set the appointment up from referrals I received from my primary care doc and another referral from my surgeon.

I hope this helps some.

Peace Out!

T~:hippie: