just trying to get started

i am just getting into seeing the doctor for the first time. does it usually take a long time to get things done with the insurance and doctors and such? i am planning to have my surgery (if approved ) in findlay. just curious to have an idea of what to expect.

Good luck! I am also just getting started. Although I am in Columbus now, I am from Findlay originally.

Most insurance companies are now requiring at least a six month diet in the last year that was doctor supervised. A lot of the insurances also require a psych evaluation. There are two cir****tances that can add to the time. It also depends on what kind of program your surgeon has. It will all come together -- it just might take a number of months. We tend to want everything now, but it just doesn't work that way.

Hi, In addition to the 6 month dr. supervised diet and exercise plan and the psych eval, I had to have a sleep study done too. All in all, it took me about 9 months total. My surgery is scheduled for next week!! I'm so excited I can hardly wait.

I am in the beginning stages too. It really depends on your doctor. I'm not in a hurry to get mine done due to me having surgery in June 06 on my back and I can't get the time off till August 07. Long story. I am in the process of having my PCP document 5 years of medical records. I've had my labs done, my EKG, my chest Xrays and Pulminary tests too. I am scheduled for my Pshyc eval on March 23. My friend and I went to an informational seminar on Sept.20th. She had her consultation with the doctor two weeks later and her surgery on Jan. 23rd. It all depends on how hard you work at it too. Keep up with your doctors PCP and WL surgeon. It can happen quickly if you do it right. Good luck! Laura

Try to get all the information you can gather ahead of time before you have your consult and take it with you. It may help shorten the length of the whole process. Also, I know everyone *****ads my posts thinks this is so redundant and are probably tired of hearing this but be sure you contact your HR Rep or insurance company (if your hubby carries it, then contact them) and fully understand what your coverage is for the biatric surgery. Also pay close attention to exclusions. My Dr.'s office said that I needed to have a 5 year weight history, 6 month supervised diet, Psch eval, blah, blah, blah. Because I work in Human Resources with our benefits department I knew that I didn't need any of that. All I needed was a BMI over 40 for the past 5 years. Thats it. So sometimes the Dr.'s office uses the "across the board" kind of approach so it is very important that before you meet with your Dr. you completely and fully understand your policy and its requirements. It may take a few months so be prepared for that and try to be patient. I agree with the above posts. Sometimes the Dr. will ask you for additional studies or tests which does lengthen the time. On the Pshc eveal, be prepared. Its like 575 questions and you will be mentally exhausted when you are finished. That was the most trying thing I had to do prior to my surgery. Best of luck to you in your journey. It will all be worth it in the end as you are reborn into a healthy new life. Kym ps. The Psch eval was a requriement of ST. Vincent NOT MY INSURANCE COMPANY as my Dr.'s office stated.