Scheduling a Surgery Date?

Hey Everyone,

Im not so new here, i actually posted a few months ago in the start on my journey when i was just considering WLS. Now, here i am with 2 Doctors appointments left and then i am on my way to surgery! But my question is this. When you go for your 2nd consult with your doctor (mine is Dr. Holover) do you schedule a surgery date there and then apply for insurance approval, OR do you have to wait for approval THEN schedule a date? Im just curious because with disability i need to know my date ASAP and was hoping that i found out at my second consult!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!  <3Kelly

I had to wait for approval.  As a matter of fact I still don't have an exact date.  I should be getting it within the week.  But I know I am approved.  That is how it goes at my surgeons office anyway. Good Luck to you!

It's normally 2 weeks after your second consult, but it depends on how fast your insuarance takes to approve it.

I was given a tentative date pending approval.  My approval came though very quickly ( less then a week). It was nice to be able to begin planning, kwim?

They scheduled the date then sent in the paperwork for approval in my case.

I had to be approved 1st.  Once I was approved it seemed the surgery date was quick!!  Congrats on your decision and welcome to OH!

Mine was a tentative date first...then approval. Not a long wait at all. Good Luck!

I had my surgery with Dr. Garber and at my second consult we made an appointment for surgery.  I had my surgery 10 days after my second consult.  They sent in my paperwork and had approval within one day.  It all depends on your insurance company.  My insurance was The Empire gov't plan.  Keeps us updated. Hugs, Patricia

Hi Patty,   My name is Lisa and I am also from L.I.  I just read that you had the Empire Gov't plan for insurance.  I think I have the same plan.  Mine is Empire/United Healthcare-NYSHIP.  Do you mind if I ask what they required of you?  Did you need a letter from your PCP?  What about a 5 year weight history?   Thank you

Hi Lisa, I didn't need a letter from my pcp.  There is a medical form that you need filled out by your pcp.  I didn't need to give them any weight history or go on a supervised diet.  I also did all the tests that my surgeon required.  If you have any more questions feel free to ask them. Hugs, Patty