Where to begin?

I am really interested in having gb surgery but I am at a loss to where to begin. The task seems daunting to me. I have Cigna PPO and only hear horror stories about it. Someone suggested that in January I switch to Blue Cross, as they had no problem getting approved. She told me today that now BC is NOT approving any surgeries. WHAT AM I TO DO??? Should I go through the whole process of researching docs, pre testing, etc, only to be rejected in the end? I feel like I've lost a battle even before beginning it.

Hi, I have BCBS NJ PLUS, they weren't a problem, and my sister has Cigna and they weren't a problem either but remember that it is not the insurer, it is the level of insurance (exclusions ect.) in your employers contract with the insurer. Read the eclusion section of the contract, before switching. Roger

Very true Roger! The first thing to do is find out if your particular plan covers it. If it does, find out what the requirements are (i.e. what your BMI needs to be, how much you have to lose, any co-morbidities, etc.). Then start with finding a RELIABLE surgeon and go from there. good luck! Denise

Carleen: My friend has cigna and she did not have a problem. Also if you do not have a Dr. I will recomend one Dr. Christopher Kollar out of Saddlebrooke. He does the procedure Lap. and is a wonderful Dr. I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and I am down 70lbs and feeling great. he has changed my whole families life around. he has a seminar on the second wed. of each month his next meeting is next wed the 14th at pascack valley Hosp. at 7pm you should go and see what he has to say. You can meet some of his patients also who had the surgery they go so the new clients can ask questions. if you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Good luck Patti North Haledon

Carleen, i have heard Cingna is tuff. and BCBS in Florida will not longer cover as of Jan 2005. So hopefully that will not be here as well. check with your employor to see if there are other insurances avaliable. I have Qual Care PPO and they are great ! keep trying. There will be a meeting at Jersey Shore Medical In Neptune on april 27th at 7 pm the hospital is tright off hyw 18. MAry is the head of the meeting and she will know how to handle Cigna I know she has gotten people approved. Her company is partnershipinweightcomtrol.com oir call her and she might have a meeting up closer to you. her number i will e mail to you ok> You could come to the meeting get the information and go form there. she goes all over the state and could refer youto the right people. good luck if you decide to come to JSMC let me know maybe we can meet! Joyce ps

I know I presented challanges when I was getting my surgery approved. I saw my surgeon in December and changed insurance from a group to an individual coverage in January. I was sure that they would not cover the surgey because of "pre-existing conditions" or "new member" or whatever. My surgery date was set for 3/8 and the surgeons office handled the rest. I was approved now questions asked. I was only on the insurance for 8 weeks. If you want the surgery, find a good surgeon that you are comfortable with. Make sure that their office handles the insurance challenges and let them battle it out. I was SSSOOOOO worried about getting approval when in fact that was the easy part. Spend more time getting yourself emotionally ready for the life changing event. Remember that it may take 6-9 months or more to get an appointment to see a surgeon. Once you are there, then it all goes pretty fast. God luck on your journey.

I have cigna pos nj and used dr garth ballantyne out of hackensack hospital. I loved him. I have heard thru the grapevine that because cigna is getting difficult he's now requiring that 6 month diet nonsense. so if you're not currently having your weight monitored by your primary, you might want to start with that. good luck! Linda