Question:
How many of you that were approved for WLS had fairly new insurance?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on December 6, 2000)

December 6, 2000
My insurance was brand-new when I got approval for my surgery. I had one insurance policy, through my husband's employer, which had an exclusion for WLS. They were not going to approve me no matter what. Then, my husband got a new job, with a new insurance. As soon as I had my new insurance card, I called my surgeon and gave him the new policy number and address. The surgeon re-submitted my request to the new insurance company, and I got approved quickly. It does make a difference whether you had some other insurance previous to this "new" one. If you had NO other insurance previous to this "new" policy, then they may choose to exclude your pre-existing conditions for one year.
   — Lynn K.

December 6, 2000
I had my policy about 6 months when I got approved - and three months into COBRA. I was very worried, needlessly, that I hadn't had my policy long enough. I was approved in less than a week.
   — Allie B.

December 6, 2000
My policy at work had an exclusion policy for wls. So, I dropped my insurance, signed up with my hubby's, and had my initial consult less than a month after my effective date with my new insurance. I had no problems! I'm 3 months post op, down from 230 to 165! No regrets! Good luck! Love,
   — Alicia B.

December 6, 2000
i had only had my insurance for 1 month when aetna approved me for my hysterectomy, then i quit my job and continued the plan through cobra, 7 months later i was approved for gastric bypass, (in only 2 days). i, too, worried needlessly. hang in there & relax!
   — annette C.

December 6, 2000
I had my first consultation with one insurance company, and then the day after, I started a new insurance. Within 4 weeks I was approved, and the letter was sent out immediately. Good luck to you!
   — enjo4

December 7, 2000
I went for my first consultation on Aug. 1st. the day our new insurance started. I had absolutely no problem getting approved. The insurance recieved the doctors request on a Monday and I was approved by Wednesday. Later I found out the insurance we first had through my husbands work had an exclusion clause. Thank God they switch. Cigna PPO from Chattanoga.
   — kyad7