How long?

How long did it take from the time of your first appointment to get a date for surgery? At the seminar on Thursday Dr. Pohl said it can take up to as little as 3 months. Just curious how long it took for all of you?

I went to my seminar on Valentine's Day 2008.  I called the next morning and got my first appt to see Dr Pohl on April 23rd.  I had all my tests completed when I went in there.  Then he explained that my insurance required a 3 month physicians supervised behavior modification prgm before they would approve me, so that day I contacted a trainer and nutritionist and started with them on April 24th.  I did three months there...which took me to July 11.  In the meantime I had the endoscopy in early June, because the paperwork got lost between Pohl's office and Dr Dennucci's office.  Once I completed the 3 months for my insurance co, I turned the last of the paperwork in to Dr Pohl's office, where it took 3 more weeks for them to send it to my insurance co, but they approved me overnite. That day tho, Dr Pohl went on vacation for 2 weeks, so i had to wait for him to get back before I could see him for my 2nd appt.   I saw Dr Pohl yesterday for that  2nd appt, and today I got my date for mid Sept.   So for me - 7 months.

I too also had paperwork delays. My seminar was around may 10th. I had an appointment with dr. giovanni on June 26th. did all of my pre op in about a week - 2 weeks. And then, I waited...and waited and waited and waited. called called called and waited some more. At one point, blue cross told me "It wasn't their job to contact the doctor", and the office told me "I wasn't their job to call blue cross" I freaked out and asked them what they got paid for. I told them (As following the lead of a friend, thanks L.B! ) To have my paperwork ready and I would come in and fax it all myself...needless to say, they faxed it, I was approved about a week later. I had my surgery October 19th.

Things can be kind of slow moving, but hang in there!!! And remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

I went to the Valentine's Day seminar like Cara. I called the next day and had my first appointment on March 31st. I had all my required appointments done by then (except the endoscopy which Dr. Pohl's office scheduled within the week).

My second appointment was May 15th. My surgery date was June 4th! No problems with insurance. I have Tricare-Prime through the military.

So, 3 1/2 months!

I think the keys to the fastest time from seminar to surgery date are.....get all your preliminary appointments done prior to first appointment. If referrals are necessary, work side-by-side with your primary care physician. Call your insurance company and find out EXACTLY what is necessary to get the job done!

God Bless and Good Luck!

Jules

I completely agree with Julie on calling your insurance to find out exactly what they want.  I spoke to mine but had trouble getting info out of them.   The reps I spoke to kept saying the docs should be able to figure it out, and my PCP kept saying I had everything in my records. He and I, in combination dropped the ball.  I take responsibility for not staying on him more.  So, there is a lot to keep up with..make lots of notes, and be organized.  And if you can't get the info you want from the insurance co, keep calling and asking to talk to someone who KNOWS the answers, rather than gives you the run around.

I don't have a sugery date as of yet.

But your best bet is to get all surgery workup appts done before first appt with surgeon.

I went to first initial seminar on june 12th
Called next day for first appt for surgeon and all dr.s for the workup.

Went to all the appts and got them done between that time.  3 appts pysch ,gallstone ,2 appts nutritionist ,2 appts cardiologist and pysical primary dr.

First surgeon appt july 21

Endoscopy aug 21 took a month for this. Surgeons office books this. Dr. Giovanni did the endoscopy.

Called and was told to call back on tuesday and speak to Cheryl to see what else i need to do to get second surgeon appt.

So it will probably be around three months.

I am hopefully looking at a september surgery date.

Also I have to have my gallstones out which the dr. said is done a couple days before the lapband surgery.

Hope this helps.

jan

Thank you for the info ladies. I got an appointment with Dr G on September 3rd which doesn't leave me with much time to do any of my other tests. I already have an appointment with my PCP for September 10th. I don't think I need to do the sleep apnea test because I didn't have any of the symptoms they listed that would make me need one. I also don't need to see the cardiologist because I'm under 40 and have never had any heart problems. I'm concerned about the psych exam because I have a history of depression and anxiety so I'm concerned that will cause a problem.