Donna B.
Fightning with CIGNA
Dec 18, 2007
Just when everything was going so well, I thought my DS had been aproved, and life in general wasn't too bad except for being unemployed. I have made it to the 3rd round in a interview process with one company and in the 2rd round with the other. I hope that if one of them offers me a position they can wait til the end of January for me to start. The I get a call from my surgeons office. They say that CIGNA doesn't know what we are talking about we she asked for an authorization for the DS. I call my lady up at CIGNA in PA, she says let me check on it and I'll get back with you. Meanwhile, I fax a copy of the letter stating that if my surgeon's office will provide medical necessity documentation for the DS it will be approved. Then my CIGNA rep calls and says "no, she made a mistake and that they will not cover the DS, only an RNY, DS is experimental..etc..the usual song and dance". I tell her I've already filed an appeal 10 days ago and asked for an expedited review so I could keep my 1/14/08 surgical date. Please, Please, Please, all my friends PRAY,PRAY,PRAY for me, and CROSS EVERYTHING!
Centennial Christmas Party
Dec 15, 2007
I attended the annual Centennial Christmas party last night with my wife. She is 15 months Post-RNY and about 15 lbs from goal. It was so encouraging to see all the wonderful folks that have has WLS, to hear all the success stories, and watch people enjoying life again. A wonderful lady who is a dear friend of my wife's sang a "baratric" verson of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and it was great! She is a beautiful lady and has an excellent singing voice. Both her and her husband had RNY with the same surgeon as my wife. Everyone was curious about my upcomming DS procedure, and had a million questions about it and my choice of surgeons (not the same as my wife, but I explained to them Dr. Spaw's experence and credentials. Two of the three surgeons at my wife's Dr's office came from my surgeon's practice).
I am adjusting to the diet. I didn't have a "Lean Cuisine" last night, but ate at the party instead. After 2 shrimp, a couple of turkey meatballs, some cheese, and green, yellow, and red pepper strips I was stuffed. Guess my stomach really is shrinking after all. The empty feeling are finally starting to subside. I'm past the "head hunger". And thank goodness for sugar free jello and popsickles!
I am adjusting to the diet. I didn't have a "Lean Cuisine" last night, but ate at the party instead. After 2 shrimp, a couple of turkey meatballs, some cheese, and green, yellow, and red pepper strips I was stuffed. Guess my stomach really is shrinking after all. The empty feeling are finally starting to subside. I'm past the "head hunger". And thank goodness for sugar free jello and popsickles!
One week into 4 week pre op diet
Dec 11, 2007
Well, I've survived a week of 2 shakes and a "Lean Cuisine" a day. I've dropped 7 pounds.
