What to do first???

I have lurking for a couple weeks on this board. It seems like so many of you have waited an eternity for the surgery. Does it take long to get "approved" through your insurance? Do you have to get the approval or does the doctor? Also, how do you know which doctor to go to? And, will this doctor perform all the tests needed to make sure your body can withstand the surgery itself? I know these are basic, but not sure about anything right now. Also, I do have a question about after the surgery, what is dumping? Thanks.

I dont know how far you are, but I went thru Barix in Belvidre Il, (near Rockford) and they did everything for my approval. I juast gave them info at my 1st consult and they took it from there. I was approved very quickly. It tiook them about 2 weeks after my consult to send BCBS my paperwork, then it took bcbs a few days to get it, and they approved me right away. I had my consult in july, could have had surgery by mid august if I had not had to give 30 days notice at work. Also I wanted a specific date, Sept 25, which is my birthday