getting started

Hi all!! I went to the seminar today with Dr James Givens in SC. What a very informative man!! He was great!! Now I wait for the consultation.. only thing I worry about is my insurance! Cigna ppo... I heard they need 2 26week supervised failed diets... The only "supervised" one I had was Xenical. I just have a bad feeling I wont get it because of this lack requirement. Any suggestions anyone????

Don't worry about the statistics just yet. I have Cigna POS and they told me they needed a 6mo supv. program from a doctor whi*****luded weekly weigh ins, behavior and diet modification, and exercise routine. I still continued on and Dr. Strickland's office applied. I was denied. I was told I am going to have to complete a supv. program before they will approve it, and my last weigh****chers couldn't count. I wrote a letter to Cigna telling them why I thought that was rediculous and why I felt they needed to approve me. (I'll be happy to send you a copy of that letter if you would like.) Lisa (in Dr. Strickland's office) submitted that letter and appealed it. Within 24 hours I was approved I didn't have any other physician's involved, had no comorbidities, etc.. but I would have had I not had this surgery. Those are the things I spoke about in the letter.. and I think after reviewing my case Cigna finally understood they would, (if they didn't approve this surgery) end up paying a lot more money out. Good luck.....and don't give up.. it is worth it!! Patti

Thanks Patti! I would love to see the letter!! I have already started on one to send with the doctors note and all the other information.

I have Cigna PPO and Givens did my surgery .. I live in your area .. private email me for my phone # and we can chat .. I can share my letter to Cigna with you that got me approved hugs Ruthie