I got my surgery date!!!! Can anyone tell me about Dr. Robert Marema?

After fighting it out with Cigna, they over-turned their denial yesterday and have approved my surgery. I will be having the Lap Band done at Celbration Hospital on December 28, 2005! I couldn't get Dr. Kim because I have to have my procedure before January 1st due to changing insurance rules with Cigna. Can anyone tell me about their experience with Dr. Marema? I also need some words of advice and encouragement. I have only had one surgery in my entire life and I am 46 years old!

Terry - I'm glad Cigna finally approved your surgery. I don't have any information about the surgeon - but I wanted to just send you a note to say, "YAY!" And to wish you all the very best! On a side note - you said you have to have the surgery before Jan. 1 due to changing insurance rules with Cigna. Is the change a universal change or specific to your group policy? Just curious. Sorry if I'm derailing the thread.

Dear Carole, From what I understand, Cigna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and another insurance company are all taking obesity surgery out of their policies. They are trying to move towards a "Obesity comprehensive Program" of diet, excercise and Behavior Modification. Yeah, Like that will work!!! I am a little nervous because it all has to be done so fast, but at least I won't have to think about it too long before my date will be here! Thanks for your help! Terry C

Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I had to deal with Cigna too and it sure wasn't fun. I'm so happy to hear you WON!!!! That is truly wonderful! Sorry I don't have any help with the surgeon question, I'm all the way down here in Miami!! Best of luck to you!! Carol V

Dear Carol, Dealing with them was definitely not fun! I had to call everyday during the past twop weeks to see where things were in the process, but it finally paid off! I am nervous, but excited! Thanks for your help! Terry

Hi Terry, First, a disclaimer: I work with Drs. Kim and Marema in Celebration. Dr. Marema is wonderful. He has had RNY. I am also told that he has done more gastric surgeries than any other surgeon in the US (12 years of experience). He is caring and very thorough. You are in good hands, IMHO. Kristen

Hi Terry, First, a disclaimer: I work with Drs. Kim and Marema in Celebration. Dr. Marema is wonderful. He has had RNY. I am also told that he has done more gastric surgeries than any other surgeon in the US (12 years of experience). He is caring and very thorough. You are in good hands, IMHO. Kristen

Thank you so much Kristen! You have no idea how much better it makes me feel to hear you say that about Dr. Marema. I am nervous and excited and so many mixed emotions, but looking forward to a new life. Thank you, Terry C

Congrats! So glad to hear you got in under the wire on the insurance. United Health Care is the other one. You are lucky they admitted they were going to discontine. Some have denied up until this, about the first of the year.

Hi Terry, I am glad that you feel more comfortable. FYI, Dr. Marema's bio is located at http://www.usbariatric.com. We are closed between the Christmas and New Years holidays, but Dr. Marema is operating that week to help folks like you get surgery before Jan 1. Good luck! Kristen