Begining wls

Hi I have signed up for an information session at the University of Illinois medical center on Nov.1. My question is how long after this information session does it normally take to actually have the surgery  done? I have Illinois Health Connect for my insurance. If anyone could share their experience I would appreciate it. Thanks Sheila

Hi Sheila,
First, let me welcome you to the Illinois board. You have found a great forum, and a great group of people. We have all been, or going through the WLS journey. We are here to help you in any way we can. Join us for our daily Roll Call, it is where we learn about each other, and help each other.

I know nothing about your insurance, but most all want at least a 6 mt, diet before hand. You will also have to go for testing in various things. So, this could take you up to a year.  Your best bet is to contact your insurance companys Bariatric dept. and ask them what they require. Then, when you go to your information session, you have some info before.

Keep us informed of your journey,

LISA

Hi Sheila, and welcome to the IL board. Come in and join us on the daily roll call. We are a group of people that have met over the years and have become friends. We also have a couple get togethers during the year in various areas of IL. Some people carpool if the hosting house/location is a distance away.

All that LIsa said + it really is an individual thing with the person and their own medical policy. Each person has a unique medical background and the doctor addresses those issues individually. You really need to make sure that all your T's & I's are crossed and dotted before submitting for approval also and that usually means a medically supervised diet for 3-6 months. Then each doctor has their own protocal as to the patient goals that s/he wants to be met before surgery. You should not expect to go and have your appointment with the doctor then be scheduled for surgery right away. You have to make sure you are medically sound beforehand. Most surgeons will not be rushed into doing a procedure.

Call the number on the back of your med card to customer service and get in writting the qualifications for surgery. They have to provide it to you. You might even be able to find that on their website. Keep a good record (notes) of when and who you talk to and the subject matter.

Come back and keep us update as to your journey.

Chris

Hi Thanks for your replies. The insurance I have is medicaid. They require the surgary to be medically neccesary which I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypothyroidism. I have been on a medically supervised diet for over a year.

Welcome Shelia!

I live in Rock City....not far from you at all.  I can't tell you about your insurance, but I wanted to welcome you and I hope you come around all through your journey.  We are here for friendship and support.  Someone here usually has an answer to any question.

We also have a support group in Rockford on the third Monday of each month.  It is at the UIC College of Medicine in Rockford.  Connie usually posts a reminder with address details right before each one.

Good luck!

Thanks

Hi! Glad you joined us here. Keep us posted. Best wishes for you.