Time frame

This is my first post and I am just wondering if someone can give me an idea of how long it takes to actually get a surgery date? My insurance is BC/BS of MA so there are no hurdles to go through with insurance requirements.  I have met twice with the nutritionist and see her again next week. I have met with a surgeon once (although it turns out he is not the doctor who will doing my procedure). I have had my abdominal ultrasound and done a barium swallow test. I have also attended 4 support group meeting.  I am afraid to ask anyone how long it will be because I am afraid they will make a note that I am being impatient and move me to the bottom of the list. (Not rational thinking I know...but can't help being a little irrational...I Am impatient!)  it is so hard to plan my life for the next few months when I have this large unknown hanging over my head. Of course I am ready to have the surgey yesterday...how do I survive the waiting?

I have Bc/Bs and I am having to do a 6 month supervised diet with a NUT so you are lucky on that end...  Good luck in everything.. Also I think all offices book differently 

I also have BC/BS MA. I met w/my doctor 12/05/06. Had my Lap Band Surgery 06/20/07. 6 mos. It went pretty smoothly for me. My Dr. is Dr. Hess from Boston Medical Center. As far as testing I had Arterial Blood Gas, Breathing Test, EKG, Chest XRay, Blood Work, MMPI, Met w/a Psychologist as well as the Nutritionist and went to monthly support group meetings (only 1 was required).  Every program is a little different. But 6mos - 1 year seems to be the norm. Best of luck Diane

Quick question - no 6 month supervised diet with BC/BS of MA?

Hi Kelly, I am BCBSMA and I have not had to prove any of the diet plans I had in the past, nor have I had to have a supervised diet.  I had to have a BMI over 40 with co-mordidities.  My first appointment was in June and I am likely having surgery on September 14th.  I was under the impression that BCBS was not requiring any supervised diets. 

I have BCBS of IL and they require it. I was a little mad when i found out but then i thought whats 6 more months ... I now have 2 more months to go .. the doctors office said i should be able to book for November

I agree Kelly that in the whole scheme of life altering decisions, a few months isn't a big deal.  I'm looking at about 3 months and I wouldn't reccomend that anyone make this decision in les time than three months.   So the company you work with must be based out of IL?  Is that how you end up with an out of state carrier? 

my husbands company is thats how we ended up with it.  

i have BCBS of ma and i did not have to do a 6 month test beforehand. i had my first appointment on march 28th, went thru meeting with everyone and going to support group metings and my surgery was on july 12th. i guess it may depend on your employer and what type of coverage you have thru BCBS.   i know the waiting period really sucks, but hang in there!! it'll all be here before you know it. just keep preparing yourself and try and lose as much as you can before. it'll help you with the surgery.  take care and best of luck.

I have BC/BS of IL and they require it .. Dr. Partridge told me the samething you just did ... about lose as much as I can before so it will help me before, during and after.. She's great everyone at the office is great. I have 2 more (so 2 more months) appointments to go with the NUT.