I'm getting IMPATIENT!!!

I met w/ a doc today from the MMPC for just an average physical-type visit. Everything (except for the number on the scale!) was normal. I now have to wait 2 weeks for my syrgical consult w/ Dr. baker...and I heard he doesn't even do the sleeve!?!?!? If anyone went to MMPC for their WLS, please let me know if you know the answer to that question b/c he doc today said she didn 't know if Dr. Baker did it or not?!?!!?! Anyway, I asked her if a surgery date would be set at my consult  since I will have everything else done (behaviorist, lab work, etc.) and she said "NO WAY!" SO WHEN AM i GONNA SET MY DAM* SURGERY DATE!!!  I also have an insurance company who covers WLS soley on being 100+lbs overweight (which I am, so I know I'm covered). I am getting very impatient, I will admit. But come on...

I know that Dr. Foote and Dr. Kemmeter perform the sleeve for sure.  I think Dr. Baker only does lap band and RNY. Kim

Kemmeter and Foote both do it, but I don't think Baker does.

After your appt. w/ surgeon, he will do the dictation (write the report) for the insurance.  The doc may order some tests be done (EKG, EGD, Colonoscopy, sleep study, ....)After the results are all received, the staff will get everything together to send in to the insurance co.  They will not set your surgery date until they have written preauthorization from your insurance, which could take some time.  I had to go through 2 appeals before finally getting approval for the sleeve (approval for "bariatric surgery" was pretty quick-I sent in everything they needed-but getting approved for the sleeve was another matter!).  It was about 4 months total from the time it went in to my insurance until I had approval. After approval is received, it goes to the woman who sets all the surgical dates.  She had to go through your file to make sure you have done everything they require (dietician consult, etc), then she will call you to set your date. I also was extremely anxious, especially once I got approved.  My surgery is scheduled for about 45 days after I got my approval. Patience.  It will be worth it. Martha

My experience with timeline to surgery was similar to Martha.  I had to call after everything was complete to prompt them to send the information to insurance. It was about 10 days from my last requirement which was my EGD.  It took insurance awhile to approve and then another week for the scheduler to call me.  All together it was just over 3 months. Good Luck and patience and persistence does pay off

I had VGS on 8/30 with Dr Kemmiter from the MMPC group here in Grand Raids. He and Dr Foote are the only ones who do VGS. Dr Baker does not.