Start to Finish - how long from first meeting to surgery?

I'd like to get an idea of how long it takes to get through the approval process. From the time you went to your first informational meeting until you had surgery, how long did it take? I'm especially interested in hearing from Regence BC/BS folks and people who went through OHSU, but I'm happy to hear from anyone! Thanks! nancy

Nancy I went to OHSU in December 07 for orinetation, even though our insurance wouldn't take affect until Jan 07.  I submitted my paper work about the middle of Jan and I have my surgery scheduled for this Wed June 20th.  From everything I've heard that is pretty typical for OHSU. Hope this helps and good luck on your journey Randy

I had my orientation in late January and surgery in mid-May. It went by very quickly. Good luck on your journey.

I'd say it will be at least 6 months.  One of the reasons it takes a bit longer now is that more insurance companies are approving the surgery and lots more people are having it.  I know that OHSU is getting really backed up and have heard the same is true for Legacy. Linda

I went through OHSU and I have BC/BS and I went to my info meeting in the middle of november and had surgery the middle of February.  So, for me it was only three months...and once I did the info mtg, nurse practioner and dietition meeting and the psych eval it only took the insurance company a few days to approve it because it was no longer an exclusion to the plan.  Then the phone call to set up the pre-op and the surgery date and that was only 2 weeks for the pre op and about 4 and 1/2 for the surgery.  Good luck to you.... OHSU was fabulous to me and I wouldn't just say that!!! I am a tough one to please because my expectations are so high....

Hi Nancy,  I had Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  They turned me down, but I had a secondary insurance (Medicare) that picked up the surgery.  It took 11 months from start to finish for me.  However, part of the problem was that there were some health issues that came up as I was going through "discovery" of my own health (heart problem, required extra testing, sleep apnea - had trouble scheduling, and some blood testing that needed retesting).  I also went to two seminars and took some extra time (about three weeks) before I sent my questionaire in. My guess is that it all depends on the person that is preparing to have the surgery, the requirements of the insurance company, and how busy the surgeon is. For me, the wait was worth it.  I was able to take the time to really prepare myself mentally and physically.  I was able to practice some of the new ways of eating and take some time to figure out my eating habits.  I think Linda has also had a long wait, and she has really taken some weight off during her time of waiting.  I bet this will really benefit her! So, if you end up with a long wait, take the time to really work on taking care of yourself, by eating slower, not in front of the television or computer, and take smaller bites.  Work on reading the backs of packages before you buy them (wow, I should have worked on that!) and there are lots of books and websites that are helpful.  I also took the time to try several different protien drinks - which was a good thing for me! Good Luck! Gayla

hello i went to dr mirande klammath falls it took a month..quick, precise, and i am already on the losers bench!