Question:
Timeline and what I should expect
Hello all. I have just made an appointment to see a surgeon. I know that each case is a little different because of medical history and insurance requirements but am I wondering how long does it usually take between the time you initially meet with your surgeon to the actually time that you have your surgery. I also was wondering what I could and should be doing now to facilitate the process. I am trying to get a hold of my doctors to get my medical records but what else could or should I be doing. Thanks Lorraine — kaylazoe (posted on May 6, 2009)
May 6, 2009
You could check with your insurance to see what they require. The two
things that I heard that can slow the process down are: to have a medically
supervised diet program for 6 months,and they usually send you to a
pulmonologist for sleep apnea eval. Both of those things take time to get
done. Other consults are based on you individually and your insurance
requirements. Good luck.
— [Deactivated Member]
May 6, 2009
I'm 44 days out from RNY. I agree you need to see what your insurance
requires but Humana required 6 months supervised weight loss program. I
did mine with monthly weigh ins with my GP. Weight Watchers documentation
will also work. I needed two years medical records so make friends with
your GP's office staff and get that going. Good luck on your surgery.
Kathleen Vaughn
— kvaughn
May 6, 2009
You have to find out what your insurance will cover-some will only cover
specific procedures. Find out who does wls in your provider network. If
they have a website you might find some info. there. Weight watchers did
not meet the requirement for a supervised diet with my insurance (BC/BS)
but they have many other plans that might. I am in the midst of a 6 month
supervised diet per insurance- it's not bad and it's giving me time to
prepare. Good luck!
— Jung
May 6, 2009
i had a 6 month waiting period with my insurance, but did not have to lose
any weight at all prior to surgery. had to have many medical clearances,
started in oct 2008 and had my surgery april 2 2009 . good luck
— gogirl1960
May 6, 2009
I meet with my doctor in October 07 and had my surgery in February 08.
— Dale Elaine S.
May 7, 2009
My wait was pretty much the same as everyone elses. I had 6 month doctor
supervised diet. Also, you'll probably have to see a psychologist who
specializes in bariatric procedures in order to have an evaluation done.
— Muggs
May 7, 2009
It depends on what your insurance and physician require. It took me six
months to get final approval because of my medical background - but if
you're reasonably healthy the time should be shorter I would think. It's a
lot less than it used to be my sister had hers 5 years ago and it took her
over a year to get approved. Good luck.
— harleygirlohio
May 7, 2009
Hi I had the RNY on 2/19/09. The length of your wait does depend on your
surgeon and insurance. I first met with my surgeon in Dec and had surgery
in Feb....so it was quick. My insurance only took 3 weeks to approve me.
I had a copay that I had to give to my doctor before scheduling the
surgery, but after that it was smooth sailing. Once you're approved and
you have a surgery date you will need to get a couple of things done. You
will need a physical from your primary doc, an updated pap smear, EKG,
blood work (your surgeon will order this), Upper GI xray and probably
medical records from the last couple years. I hope this helps. Good luck
to you. Let me know if you have any other questions.
— alojah82
May 8, 2009
I meet with my doctor on the 15th of this month, and am having the surgery
on June 4th of this year. So for me just over a 3week period. I am lucky I
work for the hospital and my insurance is really good through them. There
is no wait time. All I have to worry about is all my tests (ekg, chest
xray, PFT) coming out good enough for me to go in to surgery. So I am
keeping my fingers crossed!!
— arrowflingindady
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