Bluegrass Bariatrics

Hello, I am very new to this whole weight loss surgery thing. I did my research, I felt that the best procedure for me was the Lap Band. I also felt that the best place was Bluegrass Bariatrics. I contacted the surgery practice completed the forms that they make available on their web site. I also had to complete a 6 month diet plan that my primary physician filled out along with my physical. I have faxed the information and emailed, and have called them. However I have recieved no response, is this normal? I would love to know what is next? can someone help? Should I start looking to go somewhere else?

I would give it a little more time. It usually takes several weeks for the insurance company to send an approval or denial letter. If you are like most of us, you want the surgery yesterday.

Hang in there and give it time..you didn't say when you sent it in?. Worse part of this whole process is the waiting..I remember it all to well!!! Then suddenly one day you get the news you are approved..then you think OH NO I am not ready!! you will hear soon, they have a good staff working on it. Dr. Weiss is a good surgeon..things will work out..

Thanks for responding! I am in a hurry just like everyone else. I have just read on other post that I might have to meet with a person about my diet and get a psych evaluation. I just would like to get a call back or an email to make sure they recieved my paperwork and get me scheduled for the things that they are in control of. I will wait my turn, I just hope that it is soon.

Understandable..patience is something I am not known for...If Cathi Roskind sees this post I am sure she will help you out.. Brenda

Hi, Bandit. I'm a patient at Bluegrass Bariatrics, so maybe I can advise you about the time frame. When you submitted your information online, it went to the insurance coordinator. Once she contacts your company and confirms that you have insurance and that it will cover the initial appointment, she'll pass that word to the front office. Someone will call you and schedule an all-day appointment for you to get the process started. It will be on a Wednesday. You'll complete a psychological exam and see the psychiatrist; you'll learn about the procedures and the center's policies and expectations (some basic education); you'll talk with the nutritionist; you'll meet with the nurse practitioner, get weighed, and have blood drawn; and you'll talk with the insurance coordinator to see what your insurer requires you to do to be approved for surgery. After you've done all of the things your insurer requires (for instance, my company required a stress test, an echocardiogram, a sleep study, and a 6-month doctor-supervised diet), you'll submit that information to the bariatric center. The insurance coordinator will submit the information to your insurer to see if they will approve you for surgery. If they do, you'll go in for a second all-day appointment (on a Tuesday) to tour the bariatric surgery wing, meet the surgeons, do any final tests, and schedule your surgery. It will probably take 2-3 weeks for the office to let you know that they have received your information. You can e-mail them and ask them to let you know where they are in the process if you're really stressed. E-mailing them is the quickest way to get an answer. They're a busy place, but they provide personal attention. I'm really pleased with the education and the support they provide. You'll want to join their MSN group for additional support. I wish you well on your journey. Kathy

Hello Kathy, Thanks for responding to my post and giving me a time line. I have sent several email and left phone messages, thats what prompted me to leave a post. I also requested over a week ago to become a member of thier msn board, but there has been no response with that either. I can understand them being busy and I will stay patient. Like I said before all of my resarch suggested that they were top notch! So I will hang in there. Thanks again. Bandit

KyBandit, Please email Catherine Birdwhistell, Insurance Coordinator, directly at: [email protected]. Please include your first name, last name, and insurance. She will be able to assist you with all your questions. Thank you, Cathi Roskind, RN

I will email her right away!!! Thanks for sending the message!

KyBandit: DId you ever get onto our support website? If not, please email me directly and I will send you an invite to get the ball rolling. Thanks! Cathi Roskind, RN [email protected]