Cleveland Bariatric Hospital and the process.....

I am looking into having wls at Cleveland Bariatric Hospital/St Vincent Charity, I was wondering if someone could tell me how long the process takes from attending the seminar to having the actual surgery.

Hi Debbie, I had surgery @ St. Vincents 9/26/2007. It all depends on your insurance and MANY other factors. It took me about 1 1/2 years from the date of the seminar to the actual surgery, but that was just me, most people it takes a much shorter time. I wish you lots of luck on your journey! Michelle down 76 pounds since surgery...

Debbie I had Dr. Schreiber at St. Vincents CCBS It took me about 3 months from seminar to surgery, BUT remember I had MEDICARE as my insurance and they don't require any type of pre-authorization as long as you meet 2 of there criteria related to health problems. So it was all pretty quick I could of actually had it done the end of april but I choose to wait till the end of May and I started the process the second week of February. It basically depends on what your insurance requires and how persistent you are in persuing what you want. The staff at CCBS that handle the insurance end of it are AWSOME sometimes they tend to lag behind but stay on them and they will wget you approved. There so swamped with so many requests,so sometimes thats why it seems like there ignoring you BUT THERE REALLY NOT. Okay enough rambling now so good luck on journey and if you have any question I may be able to help you with please dont hesitate to ask. Jim

Debbie, I had RNY at St. Vincent on 11/16/05. The process for me took 4 or 5 months. But everyone is different, depending on your health, possible ins. hassles, so it's tough to say how long. I do like the program there. Good luck, Doug

Hi, I had my surgery there on 5/10/06. I had allot of trouble with my insurance company approving me! But as soon as I was approved in April, I was scheduled for surgery the next month! They do get moving right away on getting it done! I had Dr. Sonpal and so did my husband. I don't remember how long it took him before they scheduled him after everything,but it wasn't very long at all!! Good luck! The surgery is the best decision anybody has ever made!

Debbie, I attended the seminar on 9/21/2006. St. V's submitted my papers to the insurance company (Medical Mutual) in early November. I was approved on December 27th. My pre-operative testing was yesterday (1/11) and surgery is scheduled for 1/29 with Dr. Ben Meir. Best of luck to you, Please do not hesitate to write if you need anything. Lisa

I am having my surgery there Feb 22nd. I first attended the seminar back in August. By the end of October I was all set to go with surgery. I have had some medical complications, though that keeps pushing my date back. They are supposed to be the best - I am happy so far. Best of luck!