New to LAPBAND forum, papers being submitted to CIGNA INSURANCE TODAY!!

 Hello, I am new to the LAP-BAND forum, but I have been a regular on the LIGHTWEIGHTS forum for a couple of months, which is still relatively NEW.  All my pre-requisites are complete (seminar, surgeon appt. 6 month DOCTOR MONITORED diet, Nutritionist appt. and Psychologist screening. and yesterday, had my EKG, and blood work, and this morning it was faxed to my surgeon stating "I'M MEDICALLY CLEAR FOR SURGERY"... Now, the worrying begins... My BMI is 38-39 and I have been diagnosed with having sleep apnea, documented lower back pain for 6 years, and GERD.  IM JUST SOOO NERVOUS THAT THEY WILL DENY ME, FOR NOT BEING A 40 OR ABOVE BMI.  My spirits are high, and all I can do is wait... I am sooooo hoping to join you all on the LOSERS BENCH!!!

Anyone else with a BMI under 40 or a LIGHTWEIGHT been approved for LAP-BAND surgery through Cigna, or any other insurance??  Please let me know... any encouraging words to KEEP MY SPIRITS UP will help!!! Thanks in advance!!!

i don't know anything about Cigna, but wanted to say welcome , and good luck with your journey!

 Thanks!!!!  fingers crossed!!!!  

 I have Cigna pos with the state of TN...and I was considered a lightweight.  I was approved within two days of submittal.  I had diabetes(over 3 shots a day, 3 Pills), high cholesterol (sp)  and lower back pain.  My BMI was 39. SURGERY APPROVED......2 diabetes pills now....No cholesterol problems and the lower back pain is still the same....GOOD LUCK.....I'LL KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED

I have cigna open access, they approved me within 2 days. From what I have see cigna is awesome.   I only had a BMI of 37 with sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.  My co pay was suppose to be $75.00 and didn't even get a bill from the hospital, they have also paid for all my fills. My surgeon's office submitted my paperwork on a Wednesday and I called on Friday and was told I was approved....  If you don't hear from them by next Tuesday, give them a call to see if they recieved the paperwork.  
Good luck on a speedy approval.   

 Thanks WENDY'S DREAM CAME TRUE!!!  You have MADE MY DAY!!!!  It's really encouraging to hear of others APPROVALS, that are basically in the SAME BRACKET you oneself!!!  Thanks again, as I AM ALLLLLLL SMILES NOW!!!!  i'm on my waaaaaaaay!!!!!!   

AS oneself, not YOU oneself  (typo) because i was HAPPY TYPING!!!!   

I think the Sleep Apnea is what really helps .  Like I said Cigna is awesome.  I was so nervous and didn't know if I should call them, but by Friday I just couldn't take it any longer.  LOL   
Praying for a speedy approval. 

Hi fordrachel, 

The Lap-Band is the only FDA approved device for low BMI patients. But, now for a BMI of 28. However, I would strongly suggest you see a lap-band surgeon - because often people weigh more than they think and are shorter than they think- so you may fit into the guidelines recently approved by the FDA. 

 

Welcome....and good luck!!!!