Now the waiting begins....................

I had my psych consult last Tues and that was the final thing I needed for my packet to be complete. The Dr. gave me the letter right then, after the consult was done-she was wonderful. I mailed my complete packet on Wed the 21st. I am registered to attend the seminar in Jeff City on the 28th. Natalie in Dr. Scott's office told me this is a 3-9 month process so I guess now I just wait. And I am not very patient! But I'm trying to be and I'm looking forward to the seminar. Several people I work with have had this surgery and each have told me that our insurance approved it within a matter of days from getting the request, so that's encouraging. I'm so inspired by all of you on this board- Linda, Kelly, Cindy and all the rest. I'm usually just a lurker but thought I'd send a quick post this evening. I'm wondering how long I should wait before I contact Natalie to confirm that she did receive my packet- any suggestions? And how long after I know she received it should I wait to check in with her? I don't want to be a pest, but I want to stay on top of things. Have a good evening! Melissa

Melissa I know I am not that big on patients either. But give it some time and before you know it. You will be on your way. You mentioned Natalie told you it is a 3 to 9 month process?? Do you mean from start to finish (surgery day). Or from the point you mail everything in to the time he does the surgery?? Good luck and please keep me posted. I am going to be at Dr. Scott's on the 28th. Hopefully if your around I will get a chance to meet you!! God Luck Melissa Joplin

Melissa, I was really lucky, and it was about 2 months from the time I mailed my packet to Dr. Scott's office to my surgery date. My insurance approved fairly quickly. I would wait a week or more to check on the receipt of the packet. It may be better now that the office has moved off campus, but if they are still a part of the university mail system; it can take a while. Once I knew they had the packet and had sent information to the insurance company, I called the insurance company to make sure they had received it. All of these are suggestions I heard at the seminar. I got my approval letter from the insurance company while I was gone on vacation. That letter said a copy had been sent to Dr. Scott. I'm not sure they ever got their copy. I took mine to my pre-op appointment to make sure they had it. Natalie made a copy. It pays to stay on top of this stuff, because they receive a lot of applications every day, and they have to worry about all of them. We only have to worry about our own surgery. I hope you get your approval soon. Waiting is the hardest part of the process. Well, the first few days after surgery aren't a picnic either, but the waiting was the worstl Linda

So they are coming to Jeff city. Great. Natalie is great & she is always on top of things. Give it a week & then call her. She will instruct you on what to do next. good luck & the time will be here before you know it. Brenda

Melissa, If you want to call everyday you have the right. I stayed on top of it myself (eventhough the person at my surgeon's office is great!) They will be able to give you an answer right on the phone. I went straight to the top who was acually approving my insurance. Ask for medical records and then ask if you can talk to you person who approves weight loss surgery. Alot of people are intimidating (like your insurance) but you just keep asking questions until you get the person and answer you want. I acually got to know the person approving my surgery on a first name basis. She told me what I needed and was very nice. Remember that you need to be patient and nice with those people they are more likely to help you. Well, just a note to let you know that you have the right to call. Penni