Karen R.
Hi, I am 37 years old and have 1 daughter 11 years old and a 17 year stepdaughter. I am married to the best man in the world. He loves me and treats me like a princess no matter what I weigh. However, I am toatally over it. At this point I am just now beginning to see some health problems. (hypoglycemia, chlosterol is on the way up - 215, knees ache, feet ache, back aches, depression, etc.) I am unable to cut the grass or work in the garden or clean or shop without experiencing severe pain.
My BMI is 45. My weight is 234lbs. My height is 5 ft. even. I feel guilty all the time because 6 years ago I lost 75lbs. and to date have gained back 85lbs. I am sooo over it. I hate seeing people I haven't seen for awhile because I don't even want to hear it. So I don't get out much anymore. I am determined to have this surgery. Wish me Luck!
4-5-01 I went to a 4 hour group consult with Dr. Fallang today. He seems very knowledgable and genuinely caring. Not just about surgery but also about why former attempts did not work. All aspects. He's a very real person, not uptight or stuffy at all. I must admit, I only stayed for 21/2 hours and I'm going back to finish the 2nd half of the consult on 5-3-01. I'll keep you posted.
03-14-01 I filled out information for my insurance company today and gathered all my previous records for the Drs. office. If I wasn't depressed before today (looking at all my past failures, weights, and life story on paper) I sure am now. Why did I put off pursuing this again? Now I get to play the waiting game. I'll post as soon as I know something.
03-19-01 I heard from Dr. Fallangs office today. I have my consult on 04-05-01, my pre-op testing on 03-28-01, and my surgery scheduled for 05-22-01. The appointments are a little backwards but the Dr. is looking to check for gall bladder or hernia problems to help with the insurance. I'm working with a personal trainer at the gym to help build up my endurance and I am quitting smoking on Thursday. Dr. Fallangs office said I can start calling the ins. co. next Monday to let them know that I'm out here anxiously waiting. I'll keep every on posted.
03-28-01 I heard from Cigna today. They denied me due to lack of physician supervised diet history for 18 months straight. I talked with Dr. Fallangs office today and they are pretty certain that the appeal will be approved. I just need to jump through their hoops. Let me just say officially, Cigna you suck! Am I allowed to say that here? I also had my pre-op testing today. I had a gall Bladder ultrasound and an Upper GI.
Let me just say for the record, the GI, YUCK! Every one that I have dealt with today were just wonderful, caring people. Yes even the nurses and cna's. They took my pre-op picture today and I had on a bright pink shirt. (That should have a slimming effect, lol) Let me just throw in a thank you to Victoria Bowen for the appeal letter I was able to download from her site. I think it will be the difference in my appeal getting approved. Only time will tell. Till next time!
05-21-01 Well, tomorrow is the big day. I still haven't heard a word from the appeal that I sent to Cigna. They have 30 days to review the appeal. That means they have until May 23,2001. So, I guess while I'm healing, I'll call the ins co. and find out if they approved me or not. (how silly) I got to talk with Dr. Martin (Dr. Fallangs partner) and I feel really comfortable that he is a very skilled surgeon. He gave me some insight on what vitals to keep an eye on. Ex. if I have a pulmonary problem my heart rate will go over 120 bpm. I feel equipped to monitor my recovery effectively. Everyone on this site has been so helpful, friendly, informative, and truly caring. My Dr. seemed quite surprised at how informed I was on this surgery and how much knowledge I had on the complications. I have you all to thank for that. (you guys made me look good, lol) I will post when I get home.
05-26-01 Well, Here I am, Post-Op. My innards feel fine, no pain, no hunger. My incision is sore, like a really bad bruise. My muscles feel like I did a 3 hour work out at the gym yesterday. My point is, Im sore but I feel nothing unbearable. the pain is very manageable and I am a little sore getting up and down. Every one is telling me how surprised they are about how great I'm doing. A dear friend of mine said that she couldn't believe that I had just gotten home from the hospital and I sounded normal and I was laughing and sounding like nothing had happened. I can't say that everyone has an experience like mine, but, so far so good. I am obeying the Drs. orders and I have a loving and supportive husband. As long as I continue to heal this well and don't encounter any complications, I have no regrets so far. I have tried to post this as honest and analytical as possible. It's hard to keep reading "this is great" "I would do it again in a minute" when your a pre-op. So far, I feel like I have had some surgery. I am still content with my decision and if I had to choose it again, I would. That's about as straight up and honest as I can be. And YES, I am sooo glad to be on the other side. (tee-hee)
5-30-01 Hi all! here I am, one week post op. Im still on a clear liquid diet and I am totally over it. I want something of substance to eat, so of course, I cheated. I have had 4 cheeze its and they tasted great and went down with no trouble at all. I go back to the Dr. on Friday of this week. If all it takes is a few cheeze its each day to keep this camper happy and it doesn't seem to be hurting anything, I'm up for it. lol. I found that I was just getting tired of no flavor. I have a really cheap scale and according to it I have lost 14lbs. I think that is pretty substancial. Its been actually one week and one day. As I sit and write this, I have all the pre-ops in mind that may happen by my page. I just want to also add that I had a great angel and she has helped alot. Thank You Debbie bush. I also have met a girl that is one week and 3 days ahead of me and her Dr. isn't nearly as strict with her diet as mine is and talking to her has been very helpful. Thank You Julie Metzger. That's all for now. See Ya next week!
06-06-01 Hi all! Yesterday was my 38th birthday. My hubby bought me a fountain for our yard and for a treat I had cookies and cream yogurt. It was truly yummy. I also had some sugar free pudding yummmmm! I went to the Dr. last Friday and their scale said I had lost 13.5 lbs. It's a start. My incision is infected, however, it is only the outer part and the inner part is healing fine. It's been cold and rainy, so swimming is out for now, but it is finally supposed to start warming up and stop raining so I can get walking outside and get in the pool. I have had no major problems and I seem to be healing very well. (except for that incision thing) Weight as of last Friday was 220.5 I'll check back when I have something to say.
06-19-01 Hi to all! According to my scale I'm down to 204lbs. According to the scale at the gym, I'm down to 208lbs. I like my scale better. I have been swimming every day and I am working with a personal trainer at the gym. Last week I was able to get rid of my wooden spoon (yeah) and not to gross out any one, but I was able to use a tampon. That's a real big deal for me. (my arms were just never long enough to get around the belly). I wish the weight loss was going faster (of course) but Herman (the trainer) said I'm building muscle and that this is a good thing. My incision is slowly healing, but it's not bad, just a nuisance. I have alot more energy now and I was able to walk 14 laps at the gym before my workout with Herman. (that's almost a mile and a half) NO PAIN! Not in my legs or back or anywhere. (yeah!). Solid food is great. I have not dumped, puked, or even felt bad. I am very careful about what I eat and how much I eat. I have no cravings and there is no foods that I miss. Just a quick commercial for Bally's. Herman has been great! He is very knowledgable and very explanatory. To any one in the greater Cincinnati area, I highly recommend him. He works at the Western Hills Bally's. He's very young, but don't let that fool you. He really knows his stuff and you can ask him anything about muscles, nutrition, and how things work and he will be able to explain things to you. I know, I have asked some pretty stupid questions. (lol) I'll check in later when I have more to say.
07-05-01 Hello to everyone and a belated Happy Independance Day!
Here goes... On my scale I am down to 195 lbs. Which means on Bally's scale I am down to 199lbs. Either way you slice it I am under 200 lbs!!!! I pigged out yesterday and felt fat and full all day, YUCK! I had a cupcake, Honey roasted peanuts, a steakburger, some chips, a couple of butter cookies. shame on me. I did not dump nor did I get sick. I just felt full. Now to all the pre-ops that happen by that would be 7 or 8 nuts, 2 cookies, about 6 chips, 3 bites of a steakburger, one whole cupcake over a 6 hour period, oh and I forgot 2 deviled eggs. That is a massive amount of food for 5 1/2 weeks post op and I felt it. Today is a new day and I have many left overs here and I crave none of it. It was like I had it and now I am over it. I go back to the Dr. on 7-11-01. My incision seems to be healing fine now. We recently got a heater for the pool and we swim all the time. I was on my feet for 4 hours yesterday morning preparing food for our party and felt no pain. I was up and down the steps I dont know how many times yesterday and no pain. I went from the basement to the 2nd floor with no winded breaks and wasnt even breathing hard when I got upstairs. It is simply amazing the difference. I cut the front yard Tuesday for the 1st time and it went really well. (even though I dont have Dr. Fallangs approval yet) I am really happy with my surgery and my recovery. I have received many emails wondering about Dr. Martin since he is relatively new to Bariatric surgery. He has been a general surgeon for 15 years and assisted Dr. Fallang with this surgery many times and Dr. Fallang observed Dr. Martin many times as well. He was very explanitory prior to the surgery and thouroughly explained the procedure and what I may run into if a complication should occur. Dr. Martin even took the time to explain the extra precautions he takes as a surgeon to avoid some potential problems that may occur. If I ever needed any surgery of any kind and he told me he was comfortable performing that surgery, that would be good enough for me. Well I'll check back after the 11th and let you know more then. If I haven't mentioned it before I will say it now. The hardest part of this surgery for me so far was all the places your mind takes you when your pre-op. Dying, complications, I'll never be able to eat the things I love ever again, etc. So far, none of these fears have been realized. Things happen sometimes and we never know if we will be the one or not, but I am very happy with my decision and I feel that God has blessed me with a chance to live the life I was meant to live. OK, I'll shut up now. Till next time.
07-29-01 Hello everyone! My hubby and I just got back from TN. What a beautiful state! I now weigh 185 lbs. I have hit a bit of a plateau. (bummer) I figure, this too shall pass. I am still swimming and going to the gym. I can honestly say, I am now living life. While in Gatlinburg I walked to Laurel Falls. That would be 1.3 miles. One mile of that is uphill. No pain. Now we did stop and take viewing breathers. I was not uncomfortable and I did as well as any normal person. I still have 65 lbs. to loose. I,ll be able to run that sucker next year. (LOL) I never thought I would ever feel this good again. My next Dr's. appt. is on Aug. 29th, so you probably won't hear from me until then. God's Blessings to all!
09-04-01 Hello to everyone! Drum roll, please. On my scale I weigh 168 on the scale at the gym I weigh 172. I like my scale better. The weight loss is beginning to slow down, as expected. I feel great and I am still going to the gym and working with Herman. I can't tell you how helpful he has been. We are working a good but cautious program. Dr. Fallang says he is happy with the workout program Herman has developed for me. To anyone in the Greater Cincinnati area, Herman works out of the Western Hills Bally's. It is well worth the money. I can see, actually see, my muscles and the hanging skin is at a minium. I don't think you have to join Bally's to work with a trainer there, so that would be a savings for anyone interested. I'm trying to get out of having any surgery for loose skin and at this rate I don't think it will be necessary. Everyone I know is starting to comment on my size and my looks, (how much thinner my face is "I look like a totally different person") and that is really neat. It makes me wonder, Did I really look that bad before? lol. I finally asked Dr. Fallang what my goal is and I should be at 119. I haven't seen a number like that while I'm on the scale since I was maybe 8 or 9. I can't even imagine it. At this point in my journey, I find that I have become somewhat reflective. When I think back on life prior to surgery and now I wonder how I survived it. I can see now how quickly my physical body was dying. It makes me wonder how long my heart would have held out or what other complication would have killed me. A friend was over the house the other day and I jogged up the steps to get something for her and she said "Look at that girl go up those steps", that was cool. It's weird because I don't think about going up those steps anymore, I just do it, like normal people. Well, that's enough rambling for now. Best Wishes to all pre-op and post-op that happen by my page.
10-04-01 Good Morning everyone! Currently I weigh 157, yeah! (thats on my scale, of course) I spent 3 weeks in sept. in real estate school. I decided to become a realtor. My hubby does this part time and I thought I could help him out. I feel absolutely fantastic. I tried on my 11 year old daughters jeans yesterday and they fit. They are a size 13/14. I have been teasing her about how she is going to have to let me borrow some of her clothes. Can you see me in a tee shirt thats reads "Angel in Training" lol. (at 38 years old, I must have needed alot of training) When I was in school, (for 10 hours per day) I noticed that my butt got real sore from sitting on it for so long. I guess this is a good thing. I guess I'm not used to sitting around anymore and there isn't as much cushion as there once was. God's blessing to all that happen by my profile. Til next time!
11-12-01 Down to 152. What a majorly depressing plateau. 152 is still better than 234. Still going to Bally's and still working at it. Next week when I go to Dr. Martin's office he is going to take blood to check all my nutrients. Im looking forward to seeing how I am doing on calcium and chlosterol and such. More later!
12-18-01 Merry Christmas!!! I'm down to 147. Yeah. Obviously things are moving much more slowly. I wanted to be down to 120 by now, but oh well. Still doing the gym. My b-12 is low but everything else is ok. I started taking a supplement and it should be ok. I'll have my blood drawn again in about 6 weeks. Life is treating me great and think I am toning up pretty good. At least I don't feel like if I jumped off a building that I could flap and fly. (this is a very good thing) I eat whatever I want and have no problems with it. It's amazing, when I really have to endulge in some homemade chocolate cookies, I can eat 2 of them and I feel good and satisfied. Yes that would be 2 cookies not 2 dozen cookies. I can eat about a 1/2 a sandwich and a couple of bites of a side dish and I feel full. I wish, however, that I couldn't tolerate pepsi. I still love the stuff and I think this may be part of the reason why the weight loss has slowed so much. So after christmas, Im going back to crystal light and Welches light grape juice and water,water, water. (I promise this to myself) I'll check back in a month or so. Oh and a very Happy New Year!!!!
02-12-02 A happy hello to everyone! My how time flies when your out enjoying life! I am currently down to 143lbs. Ok, so I haven't completely given up the pop. My size 12 jeans are getting baggy in the thighs and the waist is not tight, it's comfy. I cannot wait for spring. I have soooo much yard work planned. I am even going to have a veggie garden this year. Good Luck to all the pre-ops and post-ops and If I can be of any help, please feel free to e-mail me. Til next time!
03-12-02 Hello to all! Has it been a month already? Current weight is 140. Dress pants are a size 10. Jeans are still a 12. (I hate tight jeans and dress pants have some elastic in the waist) Still doing the gym but now I'm down to 1-2 times per week. I am a realtor with Vilas on Springdale Rd. and Phill and I are getting busy. Shameless advertisement, I know. I'm not a buff chick but my skin isn't hanging bad at all. I was told today that I was a such a little thing (because I'm short also) - Ha imagine that! I'm feeling reflective so watch out. Here goes! Things that I can do now that I couldn't do before: Fasten the seat belt in my car. Drive with my whole foot on the gas pedal, not just my big toe, and not have my tummy rub on the wheel and make a black mark on all my shirts. Put on blush and not have so much face that you can't tell. Wear turtleneck shirts. (triple chin made it look stupid before) Go potty in public and not have to squeeze between the door and the potty. Fit into the racer at Kings Island. Cut and weed wack the yard in two hours instead of 6. (no pain) Run 2 miles! really! Sit on the floor with my Sunday School kids to tell a story or do an activity. Sit in those little chairs at Sunday School. I had a 4 year old child sit on my lap last Sunday. (tummy used to be too big for that last year) God bless little Claire, she made me feel good. Reach the bottom of my washing machine to get the clothes out. (my tummy was so big that I couldn't reach around it, my arms seem longer now. lol)I can cut my toenails without huffing and puffing and squeezing and holding my breathe. My husband can put his arms around me and touch his elbows. (before he had to clasp his fingers so his arms would stay around me) Buy any clothes I like not just what fits fat folks. I now have 2 pairs of shoes with shoe strings because I can reach to tie them now. My glasses don't dig into the side of my head now they actually look cute on me. (as much as glasses can look cute) I was getting my teeth cleaned last week and my Hygenist told me to scoot over toward her in the chair. (there was room for me to scoot over, I wasn't as wide as the chair) Lean over to spit into the spit bowl. (last year I had to spit into a cup and pour it into the bowl because there was too much me to lean over, how embarrassing!)Stand on one foot and shave the opposite leg. ok I'm done for now. I have been whistled at in my little red car (probably because of the blonde hair and red car) by some young kid in his 20's (I was about ready to give him a lecture (motherly instincts) but that was no big deal. I only mention it because I always thought wouldn't it be great to be recognized or thought of as cute, but now I find that I take more joy in all those accomplishments and it is not important what other people think. When I was real heavy, I was always worried about how people perceived me and intraverted because of it. Now, I'm just me, take it or leave it. How wonderful to be able to be the person God made me to be and give an opinion on issues and not be concerned with what people are thinking about me. Ok so I'm not done. My daughter never wanted to be seen with me around her friends, now she comes up and talks to me (and so do her friends) when I volunteer in the school library. Her friends think I'm cool. (my daughter just rolls her eyes when they tell her that. Did I mention my daughter is 12. We talk and relate a lot more now. I think it is because she is not as embarrassed of me (though she would never admit that) and because I don't think I'm as crabby and stressed. When you are miserable, everything you have to do is a major hassle and I think I was a major crabass. When I discuss her weight with her, (because she takes after me) she says she will do her best but she is planning on having this surgery when she is 18 because of how great it has been for me. She says she inherited my fat and she knows she won't ever be skinny on her own and she knows it's not because she is lazy. So she is tyring to eat right, and be active at school and not worry about it. Good for her, I think. I don't think my daughter will allow anyone to damage her self esteem, like I did. From me researching this surgery and obesity in general, she knows she's not lazy or a weak 2nd class citizen. She also says she is glad she doesn't have to wait till she is old (like me) to have this done. Old? I'm only 38, who's old? bye for now, I'm really done this time. p.s. my current BMI is 27, imagine that!
11-20-02 I cannot believe that it has been since March! May I just say, for the record, my current weight is 128 lbs. YEAH! During the 3rd week of January I have to have a hysterectomy, so I am going to have the extra skin removed at that time. I am now wearing a size 10 and life is grand. I no longer go to the gym and I am asking for some free weights for christmas so I can work out at home. I can eat anything that I want (good and bad) but since I don't crave certain bad foods, I don't have a problem controlling what I eat. I do sometimes treat myself to small amounts of not so good things. Dr. Ledbetter will be doing my plastic surgery and it will cost around $5600.00. I will check in after my surgery and let everyone know how I am doing. Till next time! To all the pre-ops, it is real and it will happen for you too. Hang in there!
05/15/03 Hello to everyone!!! In January I had the upside down T type of plastic surgery. If you smoke, Quit! I did not heal properly and now have a pit in my stomach. (huge indent, where the skin died and a debriment had to be done. It has been 4 months and I still am not healed all the way and it may take another year for that hole to fill in. Dr. Ledbetter is fantastic and he knows what he is doing. He is one of the best in Cincinnati. Had it not been for him, I very well may have gotten gang green (spelling? sorry) but he really pulled me through it. I believe this surgery to be more painful and harder to heal from than the open RNY. I can now begin going back to the gym to recontour my shape and put this surgery to good use. Folks, you don't get the immediate results that you get with the RNY. While my apron is now gone, it may take up to a year for the swelling to go away completely. My pants size is still the same and now my tummy is very tender because of the scar tissue and overall swelling. It is great seeing a flat stomach for the first time in my life, but be prepared for this one and in my case, anything less than the very best in Drs. could have been a severe risk. The hole in my stomach initially was 4 inches across and almost an inch deep. Not to be taken lightly. I mentioned the smoking in the beginning because I was able to get away with it for the other surgery, not for this. Other than that I am feeling great and I don't regret any of my decisions so far. I know everything will work out in the end. I just wanted to let everyone know how easily things can go wrong with a abdominoplasty and how long the healing process can take. Best to all!
02/20/04Just a quick update. I can't believe time has passed so quickly. Everything is healed. (finally) It took about eight months. My tummy is still numb. Like when novacaine is wearing off from the dentist. My daughter is homeschooling and we are taking line dancing lessons together at the local high school. That is something I could have never had thought of just a few years ago. My real estate business is going full force and I have alot of confidence when making presentations. Something else that would have been impossible a few years ago. I was watching Maury a couple of days ago and saw a girl who was having the surgery the next day and worried about surviving the surgery. I told my husband how hard it was for me to watch that. All the insecurities, fears, doubts came rushing back. I told him (through my tears) how glad I was that, that part for me was all over. All the surgeries are over and I couldn't believe that I lived the story this girl was about to go through. My weight has gone back up to 140 and stabilized there. My doctor seems to think that the hysterectomy may have had something to do with that. It has been at 140 for about 9 months. I can live with that. If any one who happens by my page is still unsure, I can't say it enough my life is so different now. My hunny bunny is still the best hubby in the world and still treats me like his princess. I am soooo blessed. This surgery changed my life! Who knows where I would be right now without it. God bless all! Til next time
05/23/07 OMG I cannot believe it has been sooooooo long. I receive an email congradulating me and reminding me how long it has been. That all seems like another life. My weight is 140. I do what I want, when I want. I am a successful Realtor (like I made the Circle of Excellence) only 400 of over 5000 agents have done that in this area for the year 2006. I have developed back problems which had I still been that over weight would probably have me in a wheel chair by now, but I'm not I am just dealing with collasping discs. (wish probably was caused from carrying the weight for so long) and I am only 4'11 now. I have had no ill effects from the surgery. I take a multi vitamin everyday and a B12 and go on. When I began on this site, there were no long term testamonies, (which was scary for me) Well, it's been 6 years and I still believe this is the best decision I ever made. I dont keep up with my surgeon annually like I am supposed to (never did, lol) I still smoke, drink way too much pepsi or coke (not diet) I still go to like Bob Evans get a senior meal and take 1/2 home for the next day. I basically eat one meal a day, then nibble on like peanuts, peanut butter crackers, something somewhat low fat, sorta, lol. I am so confident now that I take over a room when I am in it. (in a nice way) no more wall flower for me. Size 12. If I stopped drinking pop, I would be back down to 128 in a week, but who cares, not me. I just read through my previous dated log ins. Never did reach that goal weight, eh so what. I think I am in a size 12 instead of a 10 because I am almost 44 and everything is sagging now, LOLOL. I have an hour glass shape. My daughter grabbed me the other day and told me I was so tiny she could just snap me. Exaggeration on her part but, Its weird I remember the first time my husband went to hug me after the surgery and his hands could touch behind me. wow now my 17 year old daughter picks me up to tease me and make fun of how little I am. I couldn't imagine not having this surgery. My husband can hug me and grab his elbows, wow, how things have changed. God bless to all of you and may all your dreams come true, mine have and I wish you all the same. Til next time!
05/23/08 Good glorious day to all that stumble upon my profile! I am now 4'9 due to back problems, I weigh 135. wear a size 12, loose and comfortable. I have experienced no problems (accept what was noted around surgery time and with the upside down T incision. If I was still carrying the weight, I believe, I would no longer be on my feet. I still garden, work, take trips to Vegas (no plane or seat issues) The desert heat feels wonderful to me because the casinos are usually cold to me. Still working in real estate. Still married to the greatest, most patient man in the world. When I had my surgery there was only one active poster that was long term, so it was quite scarey to think what about later in life? Will this fall apart some day? Not yet. If anyone still reads my profile, drop me a quick email and let me know.
05/23/2009 I feel blessed everyday. I could not imagine going through scoliosis, 3 collasped discs, and firbromialgia at the weight I was. I weigh 135 and in the summer that drops to about 128. I think that if I was at the weight prior to surgery, I would be in a wheel chair. My girls are having babies. One is due on Sept 13 and the other is due on Nov. 20th. My girl is having a boy and we dont know what my steopdaughter is having. I look forward to completing physical therapy and being able to hold them and doing all the fun stuff and grandma does. While I would have handled the plastic surgery different, I never regret for one moment having the rny surgery. Good Luck to all! You are truly beginning a new life that is wonderful and worth every minute. I take no chlosteral medicine, My blood pressure is very low and normal. I can cut my toenails without breathing heavy, I put my garden in and today I am going to work in the yard and work toward opening our pool. At 235 lbs and with back issues I have, I dont believe I could do this work and enjoy it. Happy Memorial Dat to all and I hope everyone takes at least a moment to remember our past and current service mean and women.
Hospital Reviews
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Derrick Martin, M.D.
Dr. Fallang seems very knowledgable and genuinely very caring. He explains during the consultation why he chooses to do the rny over the others and what the health risks are. I do wish that the consults were individual rather than a group setting, but I certainly understand why they're not. His staff is absolutely wonderful. He runs his office like a well oiled machine. Rhonda has called me on Sat. (when the office was closed) She was in there working, trying to get every ones paperwork out as quick as possible. Lynn called on a Friday night about 7:15. She too was working diligently to get everyones details together. (She's the office mgr.) That is dedication. Great Job! I am now post op and I am just as happy with Dr. Fallangs office. Dr. Martin was actually the surgeon that performed my surgery and he did a wonderful job. Im healing well and Dr. Fallang and Dr. Martin both made sure that all our questions were answered pre and post op. I am now just trying to obey all their instructions so that I don't develope complications. I got to meet with Dr. Martin 3 days prior to my surgery and he did an exam and spent some time talking to me.
Insurer Info:
Cigna healthcare of ohio, HMO
the only contact I have had with Cigna so far has been pretty positive. I received the approved referral to a bariatric surgeon within 24 hours. I'm still getting paperwork together for the surgery approval. I have heard that they are very picky and require and 18 month log of a previous diet attempt. I am prepared to pay for this- out of pocket- so I was able to schedule before processing the ins. Pre-auth. 3-28-01 cigna denied me after my first letter due to lack of an 18 month supervised diet program with a physician. We will appeal with promises of legal action. They didn't stall they denied me in 2 days. 05-26-01 Cigna has approved my surgery as of 5-22-01 (my surgery date) So I will get my money back that I had to pay upfront. (yeah!) I did have to fight for it, but they did finally approve me
