I started the pre-certification process last April and my bariatric team (from Marshfield Clinic) met last Thursday.  Typically, how long does it take to hear back whether you have approval for surgery and do you get a letter?  Does a nurse call and schedule to meet with a surgeon?  Any information anyone has is greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks for your reply Nic.  I attended the informational seminar last night at Theda Clark and found that they did a fantastic job of explaining everything.  The insurance coordinator was also very knowledgable in regard to getting the procedures approved.  She did mention that United Health Care was difficult but not anything about Molina.  I am assuming that because Molina is also a Medicaid HMO, they are similar.  I guess we will see.  I have done much research on Dr.s Wasco and Georgen and feel very confident with them.  After the seminar I have decided to go with the Roux-en-Y procedure for the diabetes benefits as well as the excellent successes I have been seeing and reading about.  They pretty much ruled out the lap band.  They said they removed more than they put in.  I started seeing my pcp about diet in January and have been getting weighed each month since, while on his low carb diet plan.  I need a referral from him and I can get things under way. I hope it all goes smoothly.

Thanks again and I'm sorry to hear you had difficulties with your surgery and Dr. Kemmerling.  I hope things are going well for you now.

Tami

Does anyone have any information about lap band surgery and  coverage with Cigna? I meet most of the requirements for Cigna; Over 40 BMI, overweight for more than 5 years, 3 months medically supervised diet, dietician consultation. I’m in the process of getting proof of all my diets but some are hard to get proof for. (Using Alli etc.) So has any one had the lap band surgery with Cigna?  Are they very stringent about proof etc. throughout the whole process? Do they really drag their feet through the whole process or do they give release within a timely fashion?

Thank you for all your help in advance!

Sarah