Just wanted to say Hi!!

I've been looking around the board for awhile now but never posted until the other day.

I haven't been approved for band surgery yet but I do know for a fact it's sitting on someone's desk at the Cigna office so it shouldn't be much longer for an 'approve or deny' result.

Anyway, I'm so happy there are so many people on this board that have had the surgery and are available to talk to... This will be my first surgery EVER (excluding my tonsils when I was 5 yrs old)

Welcome to LBT! Enjoy your stay

Welcome Mtanna!

yes ideed, lots of bandsters here...no need to ever feel alone!

Good luck on your journey.

I don't know what I would do without LBT at times! Very often the doctors (who many have never had a weight problem, but are sensitive to the issue and want to help) have their own idea as to what is going to happen and how, but it's not the reality. :confused2:

Having these wonderful people on the boards share the good, the bad and the ugly is the key to keeping your sanity sometimes. I was banded by a team of surgeons at a hospital one hour from my home, so it is not easy to always make their monthly weeknight support groups. Whenever a nagging question or curious idea comes up, this website has been invaluable in helping me get the answers I need. And there's so much to see and read!!!:biggrin2:

Just hang in there and stay in touch with LBT!

Banded by Dr. Erbella and Dr. Bunch, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, FL - 6/27/07

Weight loss since surgery = 38.5 lbs.

Blood clots discovered 8/1/07

Current fill in VG band - 6.5 cc's

Next fill - 6/9/08 (hoping this one will tighten it up enough for a while....)

I"m in the very beginning stages of the Lapband process. 2 Doctors recommended it to me(will also write the nessary letters), I called my insurance company to see if they cover it and they said if I meet the criteria and I do. Could I still be denied? Just curious

The best advice I can give you Puju is to be prepared to be denied the first time. Cigna especially is known for denying the first go around. Keep on them though....call daily and request updates and information on what they are needing to move forward with the process of approval.

Thanks mtanna. I have aetna and I will call today.