Question:
How soon after final surgerical consult before surgery scheduled?

I have my final surgerical consult and my psy eval on May 27th. Assuming all goes well, how soon before they will schedule my surgery? I realize all doctors are different, but I'm just wondering in general. I was told it could be as long as 120 days before they even hear back from my insurance company.    — Renee B. (posted on April 10, 2003)

April 10, 2003
Renee, I am not sure why you would need to wait 120 days to hear back from your insurance company. My insurance approved me w/i 2 weeks from my first surg consult. My program with The Wish Center in Downers Grove, IL has an 8 wk practice diet (same diet plan that the patient will be on after surgery. 3 meals a day & 3 snacks, water, vitamins, exercise etc.) Then after I met all my goals for the 8 wk practice diet and obtaining the physical test results that the doctor required (pap, ECHO of the heart, EKG, breast exam, mammogram etc) then I went back for a 2nd apt with the doctor and I could schedule my surgery as soon as 2 weeks later. So, you see it is all dependant on the doctor and the program.
   — ChristineB

April 10, 2003
Hi, I think that as you said, the waiting period is as different as the many Drs who do the surgery. If your city has a number of doctors, then the wait might not be that bad. In areas where there are fewer Drs, you may have to wait longer. In NYC where I am, there are many qualified doctors and I think the patients are kinda spread out among them. I chose the one that my sister used, as she had a good experience. I would have waited, but was lucky enough to get a consult appointment in 6 weeks, and a surgery date 2 months after that. As far as insurance, I would think that if a Drs office submitted paperwork with a specifically scheduled surgery date, that they would make their decision before that date. I have also read that some rs ask you submit an application before they will see you at all. I think you might just have to ask at your consult or call the insurance company yourself to ask. Good luck!
   — Fixnmyself