New to Everything

Hi I am from Southern, NJ (Camden County), and I am going to the seminar at Virtua Hospital on 12/7/06. I am trying to change it to the 11/30/06, but we will see what happens. I have CIGNA Open Choice (similar to HMO) and I heard that CIGNA is one of the hardest carriers. I went to Weigh****chers almost 2 years ago lost 50 (weighing 247) pounds and gained 30 back after I stop going 6 months later, tried LA (about a year ago) weight loss and loss 25 pounds, and now I am at an all time high of 270. What are my next steps?

Welcome to the journey. Sounds like you are taking the right steps. I have not had or known anyone (other than on here) who had CIGNA so I can not give any advise other than try and gather all the information and or booklets that you had with weigh****chers and LA. if you can. My insurance did not require anything so I was very lucky. The seminar a the hospital should give you a lot more info and it should be what you need. My doc had a packet with step by step instructions about what to do. I wish you the best on your journey. It is very worth it. Melissa

Thanks, Melissa, but we bought a house last year and I have been throwing under the sun out. Trying to keep the house as clean as possible, especially since we are always under some kind of construction.

You should be aware that each plan is different. You probably want to contact your carrier and see if they cover WLS and what their requirements are. The sooner you are aware of what you need to do the sooner you can proceed with your journey.

Thanks, I called them, but the woman was not that much help, maybe I will call again and get someone else.

Dear lashelle I also went to the seminar back in sept. If I was you I would just go to the sooner one. Just walk in and sign the list. You sit down in front of a folder, and when I went their had to be 50 extra folders out. Alot of people cancel so just go. And start. I have had my visit already with Dr. Adam goldstein. Is that who you are going to? He will give you a list of things he wants done. One of them is to join new beginnings. That is a support group that you will be in for life, they will always be there if you fall of the wagon, they will get you back on. It dose cost some money to go there, but they let you make payments, and I never met a nicer bunch of people that get you ready for everything, and they are in contact with your doctor and they all work as a team. You will get a list from new beginnings, on what you need to attend before surgery, you will get a list from Dr. Goldstein on what to complete before he see you again. When both list are done. They will call you and go over everything that was done, letters you collected from other doctors that you have seen and want you to have the surgery. This office puts all the data together and they "present it to the ins. Co." you don't have to do that part. They no what they need, they know what the ins. Co. Is looking for and they make sure they get it from you. So just worry about getting their and getting in for your visit. All is very informable. I wish you the best of luck write me anytime. Email [email protected] or look for "nobetterwomen" on this site and you will find me. Good luck to you and let me know how you did. Goodnight

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You will definitely be one of my point of contacts. Do you have a date?

hi lashelle i have aetna and i read here how terrible it would be and how everyone gets denied -- well, i was approved in 2 weeks of my paperwork being sent in -- it all depends if your paperwork is correct and everyone has done their job -- the only thing i would be leary of is having to spend alot of money -- if it is more than you can comfortably afford then i would suggest trying to find another surgeon and program -- don't get locked into a bill that you can't afford -- BUT, do find a surgeon that has a team approach and has a history of WLS -- read their profile and get opinions from other patients both good and bad -- there are support groups in south jersey and philly that are FREE and open to the public and you don't have to be a patient -- there are also support groups in north jersey that are FREE and open to the public and you don't have to be a patient you can always see a Dietician/Nutrionist that is recommended from your own Dr later on in life -- just remember that you will eat high protien/low sugar your own Dr. can also check your bloodwork to see if you are vitamin deficient or if your gallbladder is acting up but to get started i would highly suggest a team approach do not get discouraged on your journey just keep going along insurance companies suck -- life might get in the way of things -- just keep going forward good luck to you there are a group of people on this board which are priceless!! take care roberta

You will get alot of information from these boards. I agree with Roberta. You should not have to spend money on a support group. This is just another way of the doctors making additional cash. Your doctor should run a free support group and a comprehensive program that is included in the money he gets from your insurance company. I am leary of doctors who are in it soley for the $$$. Bariatrics is a cash cow and many doctors are cashing in! If I were you I'd consult with 2 or 3 doctors, attend their support groups (for free) and see who you feel comfortable with. I chose my surgeon based on the huge attendance at his support group, the long consultation he provided, how close he was to my home and his credentials (type of training, etc.) I know that Dr. Goldstein has wonderful credentials but do you want to start with additional expenses? You will be spending extra $$$ on protein and vitamins so every dollar counts.

Thanks, Sheri. Can you suggest anyone. I am still new to the area and my doctor is in Lower Bucks County, PA. We never changed doctors once we moved to Southern, NJ, last year.