Question:
I HAVE BEEN DENIED, WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?.

OKAY AMOS FAMILY, I NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE. I HAVE CIGNA HMO. REASON FOR DENIAL (MUST HAVE 3X12 WEEKS SUPERVISED DIET). I had 6 years ago (Dr. now deceased cannot locate any information) and 4 years ago lost 63lbs with WeightWatchers (my house burnt down so records lost). Called Weight Watchers, they only keep records of those who are lifetime members. I have been on Phenfetermine since January but my PCP has not monitored me, his scale can't even weigh me. WHAT TO DO!! WHAT TO DO!!! I'VE BEEN ON EVERY DIET FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS!! HELP!! & THANKS.    — Gloria K. (posted on March 29, 2002)

March 29, 2002
Gloria, I also have Cigna and my surgeon's office said that it may be a problem that I didn't have specific dates on the diets or medication, but it wasn't. They had a form where I made a timeline of specific diets with approx dates, how long I was on it and how much weight I lost and, in return, gained. I wrote down EVERYTHING I've ever tried from that cabbage soup diet to water aerobics. Maybe you can get your surgeon's office to send in a new form that is very specific and see if they will accept it. I don't know if this helped any, but I wish you the best and good luck!
   — Trina W.

March 29, 2002
Hi..I don't know if this would help, but what about having a few people you've known for a long time, who have watched you struggle with your weight for years, write letters vouching for your attempts. I know it has no medical bearing, but if you have no other records or proof of past attempts, it just might make some impact. I thought of doing that myself, as I have two close friends, one from childhood and one from several years ago, who saw my struggles on a daily basis for years. Good luck to you!! ~Hugs~
   — Samantha S.

April 1, 2002
SAME HERE. MY PCP HAS PUT ME ON A NEW DIET THAT HE WILL SUPERVISE. I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE PILLS HE WANTS ME TO TAKE (THEY GET PULLED OFF THE MARKET FASTER THAN THEY CAN COME UP WITH NEW ONES) I AGREED TO A CHANGE IN MY ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND I'M GOING BACK ON ATKINS TO PREPARE FOR THE EXTRA PROTEIN THAT I WILL NEED POST-OP. AND SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE GOTTON SO FAR IS TO MAKE SURE AND MENTION THE INSURANCE BOARD AND LAYWERS THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO CONTACT IF THEY DENY YOU AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY IN THAT I AM STILL FRIENDS WITH THE LADY WHO SOLD ME HERBAL LIFE FOR OVER A YEAR AND SHE WROTE ME A LETTER. SO I ONLY HAVE TO DO THE ONE ADDITIONAL ATTEMPT. GOOD LUCK...FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD YOU JUST HAVE TO PLAY CIGNA'S GAME AND YOU MIGHT CONSIDER UPGRADING TO THE PPO IF YOU CAN. THEY ARE MUCH EASIER TO DEAL WITH.
   — Laurie V.