Hello...I want WLS...

Hello all.  Well I have decided to go full force to try and get WLS.  I called around and got the name of a very good surgeon named Dr. Cussati and I am scheduled to attend a WLS seminar on July 19 at 3 p.m.  This Saturday though there is a support group for pre and post op people.  I am very excited.  It is at 9 a.m. at a local hospital and I am looking forward to meeting people and hearing what they have to say.   I actually had my first insurance scare already yesterday.  I have Cigna Open Access.  I called just to make sure that they covered WLS because why waste my time if it wasn't.  I was told by a really young guy (could tell in his voice he was like 18) that no, it was definately not covered.  I got so upset that i went to human resources and asked why they had chosen this plan.  She said she didn't know anything about it and to call the broker.  He by the way, the broker, has yet to get back to me.  But he did ask me to get a procedure code and some other code.  I called the surgeons office where I will be attending the seminar and they gave me the codes.  I called the broker back and he said he would contact me by the end of the day.  he did not.  I called Cigna myself and gave a nice woman the codes and she put me on hold for like 5 minutes which seemed like an hour and finally she came back and said that yes I would be covered but only if medically necessary. HELLO?????  Who the heck would get WLS if it wasn't necessary?  I asked her that and she started laughing.  So the scare is over and now I get to start a great journey.  I have to do a 6 month supervised diet and I went to my first dr.'s appt to get weighed and vitals and all on 7/4/07.  So 6 more months to go and I will just pray and keep my fingers crossed. I would like to make some friends on here but I do not know if it works because I tried to become friends with people on here but they never respond...

Hi, You didn't mention your name.  I am Trish and I had my surgery with Dr. Ahmad 10/23/06.  He is affiliated with Mather Mem Hosp in Port Jeff.  I have heard of Dr. Cusatti but never pursued him.  I have a long story and 2 years of research before I finally found the right guy to do the job.  Insurance can be a hassle but the surgery is well worth it if you can hang on through all the BS they will put you through.  I am here if you need to hook up privately or by phone we can exchange.  I attended that very same support meeting over a year ago but unfortunately that was the day they chose to have a plastic surgeon come in to give a seminar on tummy tucks, etc and it was not what I was ready to hear so I pursued things elsewhere.  I didn't get a good vibe there.  I have been to 4 surgeons and yes, actually made appts with each one and sat down with each to discuss the whole process.  Some people say they interviewed more than 1 surgeon but most do not actually make appt's with them they just attend their seminars.  I do not have your insurance so will not be of any help there but can answer other questions regarding my own WLS experience.  Good luck to you!! 

Thank you so much for your info Trish.  It is a great idea to go speak to more than one doctor.  Everyone should.  My name is Lili by the way ...I am pretty new here so I guess I should put my name into my signature.  I am sure I will have lots of questions for you soon...lol!  I have heard very good things about Dr. Ahmad and I live in Patchogue so I am going to make an appt. with him too. 

Hi Lili!

Just wanted to add to check your ins plan and make sure the 6 month supervised diet is with the right DR. My ins wanted it with a nut or diatition (sp?) not my Pcp. I had a nut at the surgeons office that did my WLS, so it was nice to have my apts all taken care of in one place.

All the best to you, and welcome to the NY board!!

Welcome Lili! I sent you a pm and you have certainly come to the right place for helpful advice and direction. I never would have given it a though about the insurance requiring diet tracking from a specific kind of doc! These folks have been there and already jumped through the hoops. I know I have been very grateful on more than one occasion for their advice. Hang in there! The 6 months will FLY!!!!!

Hi Lilli, Although I've never mr Dr. Cussatti, I've heard of his reputation as hottie cussatti!  LOL I too at times attend the Good Sam Group. I had my surgery almost 1 year ago (7/31) at mather hospital with Dr. Ahmad, he is wonderful! Anyway, good luck and we are a pretty friendly group here, so ask you questions anytime. Maryellen:)

Good to have you here, Lili. Use the waiting period to research everything pertaining to WLS and please keep us updated. You're going to do great and your surgery date will arrive sooner than you think. Take Care and talk to you soon~~ Diane

Hi Lili, Welcome to a wonderful journey!!!! I had my WLS done by Dr.Cussatti 4 months ago. He is the best!!! I also have Cigna Open Access. It was a little bit of a challenge....but it was so worth it in the end. Feel free to check out my profile; and send me a private email if you have any questions!!!! Again,welcome!

Welcome and congrats on deciding to go for it.  We are here for you any questions you have.   LisaMarie

hi lili!!!!!!!!! welcome...........i only 2 months ago went thru all that insr. stuff.......real anxiety promoting for me..............but everything worked out fine...........i just kept reading the ny board, like you are, and it was such a big deal for me to post a question.for me............but  members started replying and i have some friends now and coming out of my shelll...............people here care...............it really helped connecting, also, to people with the same dr. and psychiatrist to just get some insight.....good luck, hugs, christina