Independent health approval buffalo?

Can anyone tell me if IH is quick to approve/turn down. I am just nervous because I have a BMI or 35.7 with a co-morbidity or sleep apnea. Would love to hear any input on this. Is Posner/Forbes slower than Caruana/Vaglianco's office? I am also deciding who to go to based on wait time. I heard Kaleida is very slow. Is this true?

Well I can't answer for Independent Health (but my sisters approval was very quick).  As far as Kaleida, I know when I originally was trying to decide where to go (back in 2006) I called Posner first and I got nothing but a big run around and then was told that I would have to loose a certain amount of weight on my own prior to being scheduled for surgery so I knew I was looking at least 6 mo to a year before my surgery so I then checked out Dr. C and was so glad I did.  Best decision I ever made.   I was seen by him the first week of Dec 2007 and could have been scheduled as soon as Feb had I wanted it that quickly.     I couldn't have asked for better care then what I had through Dr. C, his staff and Sisters hospital.     I have never had one single regret with my decision.  I do know that someone I work with went through Posner and their whole process was very long. Hope this helps some.  Sally PS:  Dr. C has his support group meeting this Tuesday night if you are considering his group it is a great place to start.  

Hi --
I had IH and was approved quickly, like maybe one week. I did have a much higher BMI than you have and also a few more co-morbs.
I went with Dr. Caruana. When my primary finally consented to refer me, he wanted to send me to Posner. But through my research, I knew Dr. C was the one I wanted. Another consideration was that the hospital Dr. C works from is a Bariatric Center of Excellence. I know you are anxious to get started, but please don't base this important decision on wait time.
Just do your research, go to their seminars and see what feels best to you.
Good luck --
Maria

Two of my cousins had Dr. Caruana do their surgeries and were very happy with him.  I am looking for a lap RNY and know that his new partner, Vaglianco does them.  After reading posts from his patients in Ohio he seems like an excellent doctor. Once the paperwork is in how long would I have to wait for an appt?

Yes, Dr. V does do lap surgeries. And I know someone else who checked him out and he seemed to be loved by his patients. Also, I know Dr. Caruana would only partner with someone with a great reputation.
After all your paperwork is in, I don't think it should be too long for an appt. I had to wait about a month for an appt., but then there was only Dr. Caruana. So now with two docs, it might be faster to get an appt. (Just a note, one thing they require is for you to attend at least one support group meeting, which meet on the first Friday of the month and the second Tuesday of the month. There is a meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m.).
Good luck to you --
Maria

Do  you have to go to the support group meeting before you can make an appt? Is the support group at the office? Are the doctors there?

They told me I had to go to a support group before I got my appt. But there have been people at the support group who already had an appt. made, so I'm not sure what the requirement is now. Call the office and ask. Yes, it is at their office. The docs are not there, though. The one tomorrow is run by one of the nurses, and she actually had the surgery herself about 4 years ago. Stop by if you get the chance. It's a great group of people.
Maria

Hi I wanted to go to dr caurana several years ago but for what ever reason- with the insruance-it did not happen- i also looked into dr posner office and really dint not want to go their- here it is several years later I recently just went for the seminar with Dr posner office- I am hoping to get my letter this week- But i do know that from the time I put my paperwork in until now I had to stay on top of things- calling etc- I have Iha also- So i hope this gives you a little input- My friend also is going with posner and she will be having the surgery soon as she is on teh fast track- with a lower bmi and i am not so sure if she has a co morbility Good luck - keep us posted