Question:
Has anyone been able to get their doctor schedule an operation date before they have

met with him? I am 99.9 sure I will be approved.    — Sharron J. (posted on August 27, 2001)

August 26, 2001
I wish I already had my surgery date, it would be so helpful to be able to make arrangements for childcare, husband's time off work etc. But, my doctor requires a letter of medical clearance, an Upper GI and insurance approval before he'll arrange for pre-op bloodwork etc and set a date. I got my clearance letter done on Thursday and have my Upper GI scheduled tomorrow so I'm on my way. Good luck to you.
   — Donna L.

August 26, 2001
Ahh, and my PCP confirms this... The system is DESIGNED to take a lot of time. Its this way because surgery changes your life forever, and someone who has jumped thru all the hoops is more likely to be a well adjusted post op. Now being a post op I have to agree this is probably a good thing, but as a pre op it was $#@^%$. Surgeons dont want people demanding reversals, they are dangerous and look bad to the insurance companies who paid for the original surgery.
   — bob-haller

August 27, 2001
I loved the way my doctor handles this whole procedure. I researched WLS A LOT on my own before seeing my doctor. I had my first consult on May 11. After speaking with him and having a short exam and a long Q&A period, he gave me a huge envelope of material to read. Walked out of his office and spoke with his Office Assistant. We scheduled my surgery for July 26th!! She would take care of handling the insurance letters and gave me the paperwork to have my Pre-op tests done, which could be done close to my home. One week after she sent the letter to insurance, I was approved!! I had my pre-ops done locally. Then had my surgery on July 26th. I know that I am VERY lucky that things went so smoothly. I count my blessings everyday!! Down 37 pounds in 4 weeks!! Good Luck!!
   — barbpatter

August 28, 2001
My doc. also required quite a few tests/lab work. I don't think any doc./surgeon would "just operate" w/out lab work etc. Hang in there, the waiting is the hardest part I think pre-op. I am also in the waiting phase.
   — Cindee A.