Question:
I am 17 and just got denied approval for the gastric bypass.

I was just wondering if there were any other younger people on here post-op or going through the same thing. I have Cigna PPO, and I was wondering if they were a bad insurence company.    — Simone F. (posted on July 2, 2003)

July 2, 2003
I believe it is standard to have an age limit of 18. Did they say specifically why you were denied? If it is just your age, that will change eventually! If its not your age, maybe you can find a way to fix or debate their issue. Good luck.
   — bethybb

July 3, 2003
In my opinion yes, Cigna is a horrible insurance company when it came to my request for open rny. I just found out today they denied me because I haven't had a 6 month supervised diet by a physician. This is after they denied receiving my info for the past 2 months. I am looking into switching insurance companies now. Get this, I asked them how can anyone be on supervised diet with a doctor when Cigna won't cover any weightloss treatment whatsoever? It get's very costly. I was told that is what is required and without it, it won't get approved. They suck so bad and the people I talked to today are total idiots and didn't know how to respond to my questions and kept talking in circles. I think they will find excuse after excuse to deny this surgery.
   — Sherri M.

July 3, 2003
My experience with Cigna PPO was excellent. They approved me in less than two days. I would imagine that your age is the primary factor that is resulting in your being denied.
   — BethVBG

July 3, 2003
Welcome to the club Simone. Sucks to be here, doesnt it!! I'm 18 and have been fighting my insurance for nearly 2 years. I exhausted all of my appeals and there is no hope of them approving me. I'm now seeking individual insurance but, of course, running into lots of hurdles, but I'm doing my best to tackle them. If you ever want to talk, let me know! I wish you the best.
   — amie

July 4, 2003
Cigna may tell you that it's your age, but as the other poster stated.. that will change...My personal opinion is that your age has nothing to do with it.. Cigna HMO blanketly denies everyone.. They love to stall.. here's my advise to you... take this time to get all your ducks in a row.. do your diet history.. and have it all documented...if you have to wait 6 months or so.. don't worry, I have been fighting these a**holes for over 9 months now.. and I have everything they wanted..I don't think they even read a thing before they deny..it comes across their desk..stamp DENY on it.. and get the next one..so no, I don't think it's just an issue of your age... that's just how CIGNA works..Girlie was lucky that she had no issues getting approved..but it's not that way for the other 99.9% of us....I happen to live in Duluth, feel free to email me anytime... I can try to give you some pointers... What Doc are you trying to use?? What was the basis of your denial?
   — chris S.

July 6, 2003
Hey there Simone. I share your frustration. I fought with my insurance for 2 years before they approved it. Read through my profile. I was 17 when I had the surgery, almost a year ago, so there is hope. My insurance was a big pain in the a$$, but I never gave up. I ended up writing a 6 page letter that covered everything from my weight battles, diet history, self-description, pictures, goals for life, my job, my co-morbs, reasons it would cost the company to NOT cover my insurance, etc. In the end, I ended it with saying that I would continue to appeal because I know that the surgery is right for me. Don't be lazy about appeals. If you truly want it that badly, you will be willing to work your butt off for it. Trust me, this surgery is not a problem solver for any issues you have with yourself. Work those out before you have the surgery. Jump through their hoops. I had to have all sorts of tests, etc. But in the end, I got it. So don't lose hope. Appeal!
   — JJ L.