Pre-op questions

Good afternoon Team!  I just saw Lori's post about her pre-op appointment and recall several posts discussing pre-op testing.  One seemed to involve the insertion of some sort of catheter into a vein or artery to prevent clotting, others have spoken about endoscopies.  Are these procedures all routine or mandatory?  I ask because my surgeon has never mentioned them to me.  What have your experiences been? Suzanne PS  Still no word from CIGNA.  Susie at Dr Harris' says she will keep at them until she hears something and call me as soon as she does.  And of course I will let you all know!

Whoops!  I meant Candice's post, not Lori! Suz

I didn't have an endoscopy or vena cava filters done.  The endoscopy wasn't deemed necessary because I wasn't having acid reflux or stomach pain.  The doctor and I discussed the filters, but I didn't want them and he agreed that they weren't necessary for me.  Not all doctors do them, and each have different guidelines about when to use them.  Mine didn't put them in unless your BMI was over something like 55, mine was borderline.  They felt that I was in good enough health that I would be alright.  Do your research on the filters and know what you think about them so that if they do bring them up you'll be informed.  Good luck with your insurance, the waiting is the hardest thing for me  because there's nothing I can really do then.  Please let us know how it goes. Take care. Ellen

If Dr Harris's office has not already mentioned the above tests and have submitted all your info to Cigna, it's probably a pretty safe bet that Dr Harris does not require such= each surgeon is quite different. From others experiences with insurance companies- do not hesitate to make your  own personal phone calls to the 1-800# on the back of your card to let them know that you are being proactive and awaiting their review and decision. Good luck with your journey! Sheila

Thank you, Ladies!  I was beginning to wonder, is all. And thanks for the suggestion to call Cigna, Sheila.  They are very used to hearing from me!  lol

hi, i had to have an endo done, but it was by a different surgeon in a different state, so i guess that could have something to do with it. joe  

I had the endo done because I lived on antacids. To no surprise, it was just my fat belly squishing up my short diaphram and forcing it up my esophagus. I'm sure there's a medical term for that....lol. Anyway, it was no biggie and I haven't had heartburn since the liquid diet phase. Yet another bonus of the surgery.

I haven't heard of the filter/clotting thing before. Guess that's something I managed to skip.

My MD told me upfront which tests I would have to have. I scheduled them asap to expeditite the process.

Sending positive Cigna vibes your way!

Karen

 

 

Thanks, Karen and Joe! Suz