Woah-Just got approved FAST!

I just got my approval today. It's only been 2 months since I submitted my application to my insurance ****aiser) I knew they were hiring more staff to shorten the waiting lists, but Holy Fast Approval Batman!  Just waiting to start my pre surgery classes!

Congrats on your approval!  Get ready for the journey of a lifetime!!!  Keep us updated on when you get a date for surgery. Hugs,

Congrats!

Hi there,  Congrats on your approval, I am also approved with Kaiser.  I just wanted to give you some updates on how the program works at Kaiser.  I happen to work at Kaiser and have a friend that works in Weight Management.  When you originally submit your application it should only take 2-4 weeks to  hear back if you are approved unless they needed additional information.  Now that you are approved, here is where the wait is.  From the date you were added to the waitlist, which is usually the date your application is received in their office, you will be called in about 6-8 months to start intake appt's, then you will go through an 8 week class, Sugery Connections.  After the classes are over you will have some more appt.'s, then will be scheduled for surgery anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks after the last class.  Not that I am trying to get your hopes down, but want you to be extremely informed of what the process is.  So many people don't understand it.  So all in all, it will be anywhere from 9 to 12 months from the date  your application is received.  It can go faster if people drop off the waitlist, some people are just not ready, some lose enought weight, some are scared, some don't have the money or they move or lose insurance coverage.  But for whatever reason they drop off the list, which moves you closer.  You can always call the Weight Management dept. and ask them what date you were added on to the list.  Also a good thing to be aware of is your benefit for the surgery, if you have not done so already.  Alot of people are not prepared for that, most have a 30% cov. benefit, which means you pay 30% of the total cost of surgery and Kaiser pays 70%,  Gastric Bypass runs about $25,000 or more and Lap Band can be $10,000 or more.  Some have better benefits and some have none.  So it is always great to know that benefit and also to keep in mind that your benefit is based on what it is at the time of surgery so if you employer decides to change plans during open enrollment be sure to research the cov. for the surgery.  If it sounds like a lot then either of the hospitals are more than willing to make payment arrangements.  You can also call and get more info. on that as well. I hope none of this is discouraging, I only mean it to inform you and prepare you of what is to come, it is an exciting time and the waiting will seem like forever, but your big day will be here before you know it. 

I just got the call to start my pre surgery classes!!! Unfortunately, I won't be able to start the Nov 1 classes due to my work schedule, but I will start the next round on Jan 1!! So hopefully I should be having surgery in March or maybe April!!!