My consultation is next week...

Anyone and everyone...What type of time table did everyone have when they went into their initial consultation and at the end to surgery? I know that every insurance company have their own requirements but I was just anticipating a time frame. I have documentation from my internist and all the recent labs and weights from the last several months. I have filled out my St.V's intake form for the Bariatric program and have a time for a consultation with my surgeon...just looking forward to getting my life back on track...thanks for any input...Linda...

Linda, If I remember right it was about a month after my consultation before I received the paperwork to send in to my insurance company. Then it took about 3 weeks when I received the letter of approval. Then I called the Dr's office and was scheduled for surgery for June 13. So all in all it took almost 3mos I am guessing. Good luck and happy waiting........ Time will fly buy before you know it and you will be on the loosing side with us. Bonnie

Thanks for the quick reply...I didn't make my appointment with the center until about 2 months ago and just got the insurance to go to St. V's...I am a former SRVG patient from Winona (that is a older surgery where they staple a pouch, a part of the stomach and put a ring at the end to slow emptying) this was more than a gastric ring and the surgeon I am seeing is the same one who did that surgery. I am hoping he can revise it or do a RUnY....He was a great surgeon and I have maintained from a 100 lb loss 75 of it. I am looking forward in getting the rest off. How was your surgery? More importantly how was getting your food down, pills and protein drinks?..that's my question. I have learned to eat smaller portions and know what I can eat and not eat..thanks for any information..Linda

I fought with my insurance company for almost five years. But... they would not let me have my consultation with the surgeon until after I was approved. My surgery date was about 5 weeks after my consultation. Best wishes for a speedy approval. Annette

I had my consult on December 1, my psych eval about the 15th and then mailed the stuff the next week. My insurance (UHC) approved it the next week and my surgery is scheduled for 1/17. I had been told I needed a 6 month wait, but they did not make me wait for some reason. Good luck! Belle

I started the entire process the end of September and was approved by insurance the beginning of December, and had surgery 12/26/06. It does fly by. Good Luck