Question:
Has anyone been approved for Gastric Bypass Surgery thru Cigna HMO of Oklahoma?

Cigna HMO of Oklahoma has recently denied my request for Gastric Bypass Surgery AFTER the requested and received positive results on my three tests (physc., gastro., and heart.) They have denied my request because "I have had some weight loss in the past and could my thyroid be the possible reason for my weight gain"? I can't understand how and why the could deny my surgery only after they received the results on my tests. Like everyone else, I have had dozens and dozens of weight-loss attempts, my BMI is 49.2 (all information was sent in by my surgeon) before and my thyroid is in perfect range. If anyone out there has ever been approved by CIGNA with a similar history, please, please let me know how you handled the insurance company. I would appreciate any information as soon as possible. I need all the help I can get. Judy    — Judy E. (posted on March 18, 2001)

March 21, 2001
I have Cigna POS and am having the fight of my life for this surgery. I have heard so many horror stories about Cigna, and then I read other posts from Cigna insureds that they got approved in hours. Go figure. I am appealing my denial. I have also filed an inquiry/complaint with the Dept of Insurance for my state, IL. I was never given any written denial, and each time I call Cigna, I get NO information at all. I am working with Bonnie at Weight for Life and apparently Cigna idicated to her that I have not met the criteria, ie medically supervised weight mangement. I submitted over 15 years worth of diet documentation, medically supervised and not, a detailed health history which listed all 8 of my co-morbids(including bilateral knee replacments due to degenerative arthritis) and a detailed family history of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, etc. etc. Still denied, 130 lbs over ideal weight and BMI of 47. My new PCP put me on Merida for a three month trial at $95 for 30 pills, of course, this medication is NOT covered by Cigna. Good Luck and if I get any more information, I will certainly post my experiences.
   — rocketmom1985