My first day on Obesity Help--1st Stages of Approval

I just had all my lab and xrays sent in on April 24th for approval. How long from this date do you find out if your approved by the surgeon? What is the process from this point?

Congratulations and welcome to the boards! You have made the right decision for sure to have wls. We are a wealth of information here...so put a touch of velcro on your butt and stick around.

As far as how long it takes...well there are a bunch of factors involved. How quick your doctors office submits all the necessary information to your carrier, how quick your carrier approves surgery, when there is availability on your surgeons schedule, and actually when you can do it. Things happen so you have to be patient and know that Rome was not built in a day and all you have to really believe in is that you will have surgery. Just keep on top of things and stay involved. As the old saying goes, the squeeky wheel gets the oil!

Congratulations again and welcome!

Welcome to the Cali Board and congratulations on beginning your journey.  Hang on it's going to be the best ride of your life!  Approval can be as quick as a month or as long as it takes.  Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their money, so just be patient and it WILL happen.

We're so glad you've joined the Cali board, you'll find the nicest folks here who are willing to support and share their expertise with you.

Barb

Welcome to the boards.  WE are so glad to have you here.  As Barb says it varies from Doc to Doc and person to person.  I went in at 4:45 one evening and before they got into the office the next morning my approval was waiting on their FAX.  Yes that is rare, but that is what happened with me.  I am so glad it did.  I changed the date of my surgery several times but I settled on August 1st (Friday) as they would only pay for the surgery if I was under 50 and the 4th was my birthday.  So I gave the surgery to myself for my 50th birthday.  It was the best gift ever and I don't regret one second of it.  Please post all your questions here and we will answer what we can for you.  You have come to a great place for love and support.  Again welcome and we look forward to meeting you in person soon.

Rhonda

Kuiland:

Welcome to the boards, even tho i don't live in California i frequent many boards.  Those that have already posted thier welcomes are right there is a wealth of support,information and hugs to go around for all.

if you need anything just give a holla and we will come runnin, typin or sumpin'

Kuiland,

Welcome, to the Cali Board. Hang in there, because like everybody says, you are in for the ride of your life.

Just remember, you have to be your own Advocate to keep things moving and they will.

Have a Great Day. This is a wonderful group of people here, you will enjoy it here. I am hooked.
LOL!!!!

Hugs & Love,

Karen

Congrats on your submission for approval and welcome to the Cali Board.  I just had gastric bypass revision surgery on 4/8/09.  It only took a couple of weeks for my approval (which I thought was pretty fast considering mine was a revision surgery).  So far so good too as I am down 23 lbs to date.  If you have any questions, do not be afraid to post here on the Board. 

Lalala2

Hello!

Welcome to the Cali board!  You will find so many helpful and kind people here.  If you have a question, post it up and guaranteed someone will come up with an answer for you. 

You are embarking on an incredible journey.  We are here to cheer you on.

~Naomi

Welcome! Kui ^_^
The answers to your questions all depends on who your doc is and where you are having the surgery.  I went with Kaiser and I was very fortunate to have my surgery in 5 months from orientation; but I have other Kaiser friends who have been waiting for a year!  After you are given a pre-surgery goal weight, the ball falls into your court...the sooner you reach that goal, the sooner your surgery will be scheduled.  I agree wholeheartedly with the other posters....be PRO-ACTIVE and stay in contact with your doctor's office.  Good luck and welcome to the Cali Boards...we are here to help, encourage and support as you begin a wild and enjoyable ride!
Nancy aka Sunray
Do. Or not Do. There is no Try....Yoda, Star Wars

Welcome and congrats on starting the road to a happier and healthier you!  Not much I can add to all the other replies as we all pretty much feel the same way and that is "this journey will be one that won't be forgotten and this journey continues even after the surgery".  Just stick to the guidelines and you will do great.  Happy trails ahead! 
Terry