Question:
I have medical, what's the requirements to get this surgery?

Medi-cal has different insurance providers I can choose-Sharps only accepts Molina, however Molina makes you wait the 6 months to have a doctors supervised diet plan. I do not want to wait the six months. I am in San Diego CA.    — sherrir (posted on January 15, 2006)

January 15, 2006
Sorry, but my advice is to follow the guidelines they require and learn as much as you can in that six months, while also following nutrition guidelines and losing weight. Nobody really wants to wait, but the reality is that this surgery is a HUGE decision and while it works miracles for many, it is not a magic wand. It is a tool and there is much to learn on how it will affect your life afterwards. Nutrition, mineral and vitamin supplements and learning how to eat are a few things you can learn about. I can't tell you how glad I am to have followed all the guidelines of Kaiser-Permanente. I learned a lot about weight loss surgeries, nutritional needs and the long term effects of this surgery. I did eveything they required and they approved me for the surgery and it has been six weeks since my surgery. Nothing has been a surprise to me because I was well informed. I just got my final bill from GW University Hospital totalling over $ 20K and my portion is $ 250.00 I am glad I didn't try to take any shortcuts! Despite your desire to have the surgery sooner, there are ligetimate reasons for the six month delay, including the fact that there are others in line for it, too.
   — LauraA

January 15, 2006
I also have Molina an because I had other health problems they didn't make me what the 6 months so if there's anything health wise going on with you like bad back, high blood precer, suger . anything that your doc can verafie is a health rick than mabe they will take you before the 6 months good luck
   — amygirl

January 15, 2006
Sherri, There are a number of us in the same boat. There isn't any way around this unless the doctor says that it is a surgery that needs to take place immediately and that your life will be in danger if you don't. Even though my partner didn't have to wait 6 months before her surgery, with going through all the tests -- and scheduling the surgery and then the surgeon had to cancel and reschedule -- you may was well do what is required. I'm in my 3rd month of physician supervised diet. It is a requirement of my insurance company --Cigna PPO. You've waited this long, what's six more months?
   — the7thdean

January 16, 2006
I recommend that you begin a doc supervised diet immediately! Meanwhile, find a surgeon, make an appointment, and set the date for seven months from now. You can always cancel if you don't make it. You should also check if they have any other requirements. If you have any comorbidities, such as sleep apnea or hypertension, get them diagnosed and treated, so that you have them documented. The six months will go quickly, and it will be easier to get insurance to pay for it if you jump through the hoops!
   — Novashannon

January 16, 2006
Since you are in San Diego try Lite Demensions (they are in Fountain Valley) to see if they can help you I am 11 days post-op and did not have to do a 6 month diet and I am also on Medical.I will tell you I did not want to wait either but was very glad I did,as I was able to learn alot from this board. Joy S
   — Joy S.

January 16, 2006

   — sor09

January 16, 2006
I know that the 6 months seems like forever. Think of it like having a baby. You'll have it for the rest of your life but it's well worth the wait. Oh, and 6 months is not bad. My insurance wanted 2 years.
   — Tuxedo Katz