Question:
Has anyone gone from NO insurance to WLS?

I just got my insurance from my job. I have not had any insurance for about 5 years. Should I wait to see the surgeon? (My policy says I can go directly to the surgeon without PCP referral.) Should I just hang in there a while before I go for it? Or should I go for it and see what happens. I am worried they will decline me, and then use it to decline forever in the future. Help.    — Nicki B. (posted on June 25, 2002)

June 25, 2002
You go for it girl! After you have your insurance card in your hot little hand, you go straight to your doctor! Even better since you don't have to have a PCP referral, make an appointment with the surgeon so that you can go ahead and get all your testing out of the way and get a surgery date. Hurry because some surgeons have LOOOONG waiting lists for WLS! Good Luck! Dara
   — Dara B.

June 25, 2002
I was eligible for insurance on March 1, 2002. I had my PCP appointment on March 1 and a referral to a surgeon within a weeks time. I had my surgery on 4/19/2002. So I say go for it NOW!!!
   — lianemallen

June 25, 2002
call your insurance company FIRST to see about pre-exisiting conditions, you will probably have to wait anywhere from 30 days to 1 year depending on your policy....if you seek treatment before the pre-exisiting clause has expired, they will deny it simply on that fact
   — Jack W.

June 25, 2002
I actually started my job January 7th and my insurance became effective Feb.1st. I didn't start pursing this surgery until May after I researched it thoroughly. I didn't have insurance either for 3-4 years before Feb 1st so I have no medical records because I couldn't afford to see a doctor. You will be fine. Charge full speed ahead if you ask me!! Good Luck!
   — TP

June 25, 2002
I went from NEVER having insurance to WLS in just 5 months. I started the process 5 days after I got the insurance. I didn't have any problems with the insurance company at all. So I don't really think it matter unless you have a pre- exsisting clause on your ins. coverage. Then you may have to wait a year before they cover your surgery. Good Luck.
   — Sarah K.