Introducing myself...

Hi everyone - I'm Cathy and I live in Cary, NC. I just started the process for LapBand - went to the seminar and the first consultation. I have all kinds of fun stuff scheduled tomorrow at the hospital - Upper GI, EKG, chest x-rays, etc etc etc. My biggest concern is my insurance. I have Cigna and they do cover this is approved. But they don't cover weight loss treatments - - - so I have to play it careful with all the preliminary stuff. Right now, I'm still a little nervous about the $3500-4500 worth of tests I'm getting tomorrow! The dr I'm going to is Dr Moran, who seems to be pretty new to this - has only done 10 lapbands, but has lots more experience with laproscopic surgeries including RNY. Big thing is that the hospitals in Wake county do not allow this surgery! So - - I have to go to Franklin Regional in Louisburg! Not exactly convenient, but at least followups at the office will be in Raleigh. So - Just starting out - - and already sweating the insurance! I'll probably have to come and "post out the stress" from time to time! cathy

Hey Kathy, I had my lap-band June 05 and have lost a 100 pounds so far. I am so happy....I now work for my surgeon. I couldn't be happier. I actually file our insurance for our office. Cigna does require a 6 month diet for surgery. We personally haven't had any problems with cigna. Good Luck and please let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Also you can got band2gether.net for a lot of band related help. We are in Charlotte but there is a group of us girls that get together each month. It's great!!!! Talk to you soon Kim

Thanks!! I'm still not 100% sure what exactly Cigna wants with the 6month diet. I did go to my normal physician back in May and told him I was interested in this procedure and that reading the insurance requirements, I had to have a dr-supervised diet for 6 months. He gave me the standard diet plan and I have met with him ever 4-6 weeks. We have briefly discussed weight loss, along with whatever the ailment of the day was!! So I'm not sure if that will meet the requirement, or if they need something more 'regimented'. I'm glad to hear you haven't had problems with Cigna - that gives me hope! THANKS!