Initial Appointment

I have my initial consultion appointment with Dr. Jamal at the University of Iowa on Friday.  I have BCBS of Iowa wellmark.  I have read the requirements that I need documented two years of having a BMI of 40 and documented diet attempts.  How long after your initial concultaion did you have your surgury.  I aready have my sleep study and psych eval.  Thanks for your imput.

 I had my initial consult with Dr. Jamal on October 17th, 2008 and had my surgery on Feb. 11, 2009.  After my initial consult, I needed to get a psychological eval and then go back for another appointment.  On November 14, 2008 I had my second appointment and then had my psychological evaluation on November 18, 2008 (couldn't get in to them before then).  Dr. Jamal's office submitted things to my insurance (same as your insurance) after they got the letter from the psychologist.  On December 31, 2008 I got my letter of approval from BCBS.  Had to wait for Debbie to contact me about the surgery date because she was on vacation until January 12.  I had my pre-op appointment on January 30 and then surgery was Feb. 11th.  It really goes fast once the process starts, let me tell you.  If you have your initial consult on Friday, I would say that by late September or early October you'll have your surgery.  Since you've had your psychological eval and your sleep study done already, you're one step ahead of things.

Keep posting on how things go because I'm interested in hearing how you do.

Carol