I'm dying because I'm soooo ready to have the lap band procedure but I'm worried that I'm going to have to wait 6 months for Cigna's 6 month supervised diet requirement. Don't they realize I've been on an unsuccessful diet for 20 years?? I'm also kicking myself because I started a medically supervised diet in June 2009 but dropped out in late August 2009. I'm wondering if I can now go to my PCP and start where I left off? Hopefully then only having to do 3 months with my PCP? I'm doubtful though because I have about a 2 month gap. Any experience out there? Also, I'll have to pay $4,500 with the max on my insurance - even with insurance. Any experience with how much the procedure costs at an American facility?

I have Cigna as well and I've been told I need to have 6 visits within a 24 month window. Not sure if your plan has the same requirements, but it is definately worth looking into having your visits in June and July "count" towards your requirement.

I have Cigna as well and I've been told I need to have 6 visits within a 24 month window. Not sure if your plan has the same requirements, but it is definately worth looking into having your visits in June and July "count" towards your requirement.

That is encouraging! I'm trying to be patient and just deal if I do have to wait the 6mos but I'm so confident that it is for me - I'd drive to the hospital right now! Thanks for the info and best of luck!

I am not sure what plan you have-but-my Cigna policy states a 6 month supervised diet without significant lapse in coverage. My co-worker had an almost 2 month gap in her supervised diet and submitted paperwork anyway. She argued the no significant lapse wording and was approved. Read your policy - it will all work out. Good luck!

Well, I have BCBS and was told last week...I HAVE TO DO THE 6 Months! I was upset.....but Ive been overweight ALL my life, six more months wont kill me.

Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate them!!

I too have cigna... I started the 6 month diet in Nov. Cigna's policy says you can do weight watchers and I also called Cigna and they verified it for me (I had to double check ).

I have been attending weight watchers weekly (wkly weigh-ins) and I have been visiting my PCP monthly. For those who have Cigna and did the 6 month diet... did any of you do the same thing that I'm currently doing? Do you know if Cigna will require me to submit the weekly point tracker that weight watchers has you fill out?

I double checked they're requirements I feel like I'm doing everything they ask, but I'm still really scared that I'll by denied for not doing something right! :smile2: The wait time can be so overwhelming... :sad:

I'm anxious... can you tell? :thumbup:

I called Cigna and I was told that I did not need to go to both Weight Watchers and my doctor. That just going to my PCP was fine. I got a form from the hospital for the doctor to fill out at each visit that outlines that we've talked about nutrition, exercise, my diet, etc.... I'll have my 3rd doctor's visit tomorrow and then 4 more to go (to technically get to the full 6 months). I too absolutely CANNOT WAIT!! But, I'm trying to be patient and think positively that it will be approved quickly. Best of luck!

I think I'm going to call for a 2nd time and make sure. I'll ask them to mail me the requirements, if possible. When I went with my boyfriend to his first appointment with the surgery Dr, they told us that we need to have proof of the diet and exercise as well as the monthly PCP visit! Can you believe that? So we joined the gym (LA Fitness), started attending WW and we are having the PCP fill out a sheet provided by the surgery office of everything we are doing. We have our next appointment on the 15th, this will be our 3rd PCP visit as well ! I thought attending WW was going to be less expensive than seeing a nutritionist, but it's about the same. I can't believe how expensive their monthly rate is, $40 a month for unlimited meetings and 1 weigh-in every week. I think I might stick it through with WW even if its not needed, I'm hoping that it will help for approval. :thumbup:

Best of luck to you as well! :smile2:

cigna denied me at first because my 6 month diet with my PCP was an ARNP, so watch out!

I googled our PCP's name and office and everything checks out fine. We were even referred to him by the surgery office, so that leaves me some what at ease. Good looking out though! :smile2:

HiMow:

What route did you take for your 6 month diet? Monthly PCP visit only?

You know what, insurances are confusing on purpose. It seems as though they don't want to give you money when you need it, but they will take your money anyway. I have BCBS and I was quoted different things on different days. I finally went to a surgeon with an awesome insurance specialist. She finally found the correct answer for me. They didn't say anything about a 6 months diet, but I can get all my pre tests done in one day and they will submit after all results come in.

Find a surgeon with an insurance specialist. My surgeon seems to enjoy helping his patients with insurance. It makes everything easy on yourself.