? About the Process...

For those of you who have already been through this... What is the waiting/getting approved part of the WLS process like? I've been to the WLS seminar and I have my 1st appt. with the surgeon set, after I see her what can I expect to happen? I have my nutrition and mental health evals scheduled for later in the same week as my surgeon appt.  After that do I just wait to see the surgeon again until/if I am approved by the insurance company?  Is this usually after the 6 month supervised diet is completed? I know it's alot of questions but I don't really know what to expect

Thanks for your answers (and patience)

Hi kb and welcome to the Maryland forum.   I really don't have much to tell you about the process for a couple of reasons .. I think my experience was a bit atypical AND it was 3 1/2 years ago, and I think even my doc's practice has changed their procedures somewhat. Best wishes as your WLS journey begins though.   You are in for the ride of your life. Hugs, Mo

Hi and welcome to the Maryland board. I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday Aug. 14. My jouney started in late April when I decided I wanted to have WLS. I call the HR dept where I work and found out the way the benefits work for WLS. I then found out what surgeons were in my network.  I called the one at the hospital that I was most comfortable with. I had to wait from April til July 2 for my appointment. During that time I did my sleep study and had my psych appointment. I made my nut appointment for the afternoon of my surgeons appointment. By the time I got to my surgey appointment I had my insurance approval. It doesn't always work like that at you will see. I am lucky in that my employer is self insured and was very supportive of my surgery. When I got to the appointment I got my date of Aug 14.  It could have been sooner but that date worked best for my work schedule. Hope this helps. Jo

Unfortunately, that question is like asking which came first the chicken or the egg. Everyone has a different experience. I never really considered I would not be approved. I knew I had all of the "requirements" from the start. I went to my appointments and got all of the tests required. Before I knew it, I had my date. It took about 6 months, I guess. Just keep busy with your life and preparing for your rebirthday!!

My process was very short.  I went to the seminar on Nov. 11 and had surgery January 25.  Approval took about 1 1/2 week.