How long did you wait to get your surgery?

How long did you guys wait untill you got approved for your surgery or got insurance. I switched insurance companies and Ive been trying to get this surgery for almost a year now. Its depressing and discouraging. I was just wondering how people handled the lenth of time they had to wait.

I was lucky in my approval process- I only waited four days after I lost my required weight.  But I was denied prior with a different  company and wasn't notified for three months. The support group I regularly attend is flooded with patients who have waited over two years with the same insurance.  There seem to be many hoops to jump through with that particular company, but once the patients have their surgeries, they are well-equiped to rock their tool. Good luck and stay positive!

Girl, im still waiting! I tried to do it back in 2004 but my PCP at the time didnt want me to have it done and doesnt believe in it. He sent me to Weigh****chers (which didnt help at all) and I gave up. My parents and I started back up in November. My mom and I sent our paperwork off at the same time. She got approved within 3-4 days. I got a call saying that my thyroid was all wacked out and that I needed to get it under control, but that they would keep my file on hold and when I got my TSH levels down they would approve me. 2 weeks ago my dad found out he was "denied". And now im still waiting to find out if I am or not... They changed the requirements 2 months ago, after my stuff was already sent and now they are saying I need a 6 month supervised diet.. So.. we will find out next week... Goodluck! I know its discouraging... and it SUCKS!

Once I got medically approved by the surgeon's office (four month process) they submitted my file to insurance (United Healthcare) they took about three weeks to make a decision, and less then a month later I was having surgery.

I started my journey figuring stuff out back in July of 06...starting with Lap Band.  Insurance would have covered 80% of it, but had to do a 6 month supervised diet...which if I would have gotten on top of it, would have had done quick, because I was on a diet most of the time through Jenny Craig, WW, etc.  Just needed to talk with dr about it. Anyhow, when I went back to another info session in Nov. of 07, they now offered VSG (faster weight loss, no foreign object), and that was more my style...nothing against the band.  I knew insurance wouldn't cover, but got pretty decent financing through Capital One Healthcare Finance.  It like a car payment for the next 5 years, but I knew if I didn't do it then, and be selfish, I wouldn't do it...definitely worth it.  I know financing isn't always an option for everyone, but I was impatient and knew I had to do something before I had all the health issues that have plagued my family.  So from December when I officially started process of getting financing and all, it was about one month from nursing assessment on Jan 11, and surgery was Feb. 20....so very fast! My advice or two cents...don't let insurance or money influence... It's well worth it for your health! Good luck and I hope it happens quickly for you!

Ok, I guess I was a really lucky one as well.  I had my initial consultation with the surgeon (after the referral from my PCP had been approved) on June 21st of 2004.  By July 19th, 2004, I had a date for surgery from Tricare.  On August 3rd, 2004, I had my RNY.  However... before that... I'd spent 3 years researching this surgery, scared to have it done.  I only regret not  having it sooner.  If it takes a bit to get approved, don't give up.

I was one of the lucky ones.  My first consultation was February 26th and my surgery was April 16th. Good luck to you, I know people who have been trying for a long time, and it can get frustrating.

My consultation was on the 9th of May, and then I got a call in Late August saying I was approved and they scheduled me for September 18th then i was rescheduled for September 11th. So my whole process was about 4 months :)

Hey Sal...whats up!  Okay so after reading all the responses you got to your post...might be a little depressing since most of them were "lucky" processes and got approved right away!  I know all of the people *****sponded mean well. You try and remember that it will all be worth it in the end.  As corny as this may sound: "Where there's a will, there's a way"!!  Just try and stay focused and definitely hit up some support group meetings in your town (if there are any)!!  You can always email me or call me if you wanna talk..just keep workin @ it.  A lot of great things dont come easy and you really do have to work for them if you want them.  I know you can do it and everything will work out for you in the end..hope that helps a lil!  *hugs*

 

 

Tonya

I went to my first dr appt on May 30th had the scope done June 11th and am having surgery July 14, 2008. It took 2 days from the day handed it into the insurance company. I have Tricare Prime. Military Insurance.