How long do I have to wait?

I went to my first seminar on October 18th In Morgantown. They said I have to wait for the doctor to look at my files to see if I am a "candidate"? I have all the health problems and my back, knees, hips all hurt every day. I am 37 years old, and been morbid obese all of my life! At 5'2" and weigh 380 lbs. Isn't that enough to make me a candidate? I have been trying since 1999 and been denied twice. I guess I just want this over with while the insurance is saying they'll pay for it! Anybody else feel this way?

You must be patient. I would expect 4-6 weeks to get everything taken care of so a date can be scheduled. I think that bariatric staff at WVU is terrific. They are thorough at what they do so you see few if any problems there. They want to know that you are physically capable of withstanding the surgery. The want to know that emotionally that you are ready for the surgery. They want to make sure that there is nothing physically wrong with you that would preclude the surgery. I get a sense from this board than not all surgeions are as thorough as Dr. McNatt and Dr. Golden, but they have your best interests as their foremost concern. So one day when you least expect, Mary Anne Yanosik will call you and the ball will be rolling. Curt

I know that Dr Stickler in Charleston takes the BCBS and he is a wonderful man too. I have not got my surgery yet but he is great for answering questions and taking time to talk to you. He is with Metabolix. Good luck!