How long was your process? Requirements?

I have state insurance..Passport in Kentucky. I have the support of my primary care doctor. I'm just starting & learning about requirements & how long does it usually take to get to surgery day? Thanks! I love reading everyone's journey!!!

Your insurance probably has a document that explains all of the necessary requirements. Find it, print it, know it. If you are required to have co-morbidities, document anything that proves them clinically. Don't be afraid to follow up all of your steps with your surgeon's office and then after your approval is submitted, follow up each step with the insurance company and surgeon's office. Being your own advocate and aggressive *but nice* will help move you along. Most plans require nutrition visits, weight-loss attempt history, so if you know what they require, you won't have any delays from missing pieces! Good luck! It seems like a long journey, but it does pass and you'll have a surgery date in no time! Best wishes!

By the way, I started my journey in late May. I had a long checklist, but it was important. We submitted to insurance at the end of September, but I was initially denied and took another few weeks to get the approval through peer-to-peer mediation and submitting further clinical documents. My surgeon's office does tell patients at the seminar that it can take up to six months. The shortest person who floated through the process took four months, according to my doctor's office. I was pretty aggressive with appointments, tests, etc., and it took me about 6 months. So, buckle up! But every surgeon is different. Just get started!!!

I had state insurance and it took 7 months , needed a 6 month supervised diet and lots of tests

I didn't have state ins. but I started my process Oct. 2013 and had my surgery June 2014, so 8 months... I had a lot of requirements and did not take any breaks from the process through that time.. 

I have state insurance and my process took about 6-6 1/2 months.

Started early June 2014 and surgery is scheduled for December 31, 2014

The top post in my blog (link below in my signature) lists all the appointments I needed pre-op.  That might be useful!

Thank you all so much. That was so helpful.