Hi everyone! I am a 30 year old female living in Seattle, looking to get banded closer to summertime 2009.

I've been thinking about weight loss surgery for probably 5+ years, and now that I finally have health insurance that covers it I'm actively WORKING towards the lap-band procedure. A year ago I went to a seminar and learned quite a bit, enough to realize that I'm more of a lapband candidate than a gastric bypass candidate. That seminar was a year ago and I've had a last good "go-round" with food, topping the scales at 323 last month!

I have had the discussion with my primary case physician and she is absolutely wonderful about this idea. She is happy with me doing this and has pointed me in the right direction. According to my insurance rules I need 6 months of a documented, medically supervised weight loss "diet." In my case this means simply once a month at the Doc and one a month Weight Watchers. I think the worse part is dreading hauling my big butt to WW!

Once this six month period is over with I plan on moving forward with Dr. McMahon at Swedish here in Seattle. I've read lots of good things on him and even noticed another person on this board reccomending him.

If anyone has any "insider information" on navigating Cigna let me know, I must say though that I was very encouraged when I spoke with them.

11/08 - 323 Pounds

Goal - 180 Pounds

Hey Shamrock! No insights into Cigna, but for what it's worth.....for my 6 month supervised diet my insurance accepted WW online. All of the benefits, none of the hassle. I don't know if that would work for you, but it may be worth inquiring about.