XP: Concerned about Duke, anyone know anything encouraging?

I'm attempting to have the surgery done through Duke WLS.  I have gone through their initial application procedure, had all my initial appointments, pre-op tests etc.  I elected to do the pre-op tests through my pcp because they were closer and quicker.  I got all my medical records, mailed them to Duke with a long cover letter explaining what they were.

 Someone called me today to let me know I needed to go to an upcoming seminar and then fill out an application.  I explained to her that I had already done that and she said she would call me back later.  She called back later and asked if she could fax me a letter explaining the next steps.  I gave her a fax, she faxes me a letter detailing all the pre-op testing I need to have done.  The testing I have already completed and mailed them the records for.

Sigh, they are "looking into it."

The only thing I could say is keep your patience. Anything worth having is worth waiting for. Duke WLS is not going to happen over night, mine took 1 year 2 months. Do what you can on your own to get healthy for the surgery during your wait.

I am also going through Duke. I have just been resubmitted to insurance for the 3rd time. My suggestion is to get the person's name you are dealing with and stick with them. Call and ask for them and ask when you can follow up next. They are just coming out of a rough turnover and I can see improvement.  I would also like to invite you for lunch with some of the People that have had surgery through Duke. These people have been a great help. Kelly has set up Tues. Sept. 9th at Long Horn's Brier Creek at 11:45 am. Hope to see you there.

Thanks for the info, it is really helpful.

I went to the seminar in January and then contacted Cigna to see about approval and they required 6 months of supervised weight loss.  I did that and while that was going on I had my first appointment in May.  I did not have to have a sleep study because I don't have apnea or any other issues.  I had all my tests and have no co-morbid conditions.  I got all my medical records and they say they are in medical review and then I get an appointment with the surgeon.  I am most worried about insurance approval.

I've got to schedule myself pretty far out at work so it would be helpful if they could give me a window of when I needed to be free.  They said someone would call me in a week.  Everyone I have spoken too has been nice and helpful, but it seemed like they didn't know what was going on at firs.

Thanks for the info, it is really helpful.I went to the seminar in January and then contacted Cigna to see about approval and they required 6 months of supervised weight loss.  I did that and while that was going on I had my first appointment in May.  I did not have to have a sleep study because I don't have apnea or any other issues.  I had all my tests and have no co-morbid conditions.  I got all my medical records and they say they are in medical review and then I get an appointment with the surgeon.  I am most worried about insurance approval.I've got to schedule myself pretty far out at work so it would be helpful if they could give me a window of when I needed to be free.  They said someone would call me in a week.  Everyone I have spoken too has been nice and helpful, but it seemed like they didn't know what was going on at first.