Did everyone have to see a doctor for six months befor insurance will even consider you for...

Did everyone have to see there primary Doctor for six months befor insurance will even consider you for the surgery? The doctors office said there is no way around it .They have to monitor your weight for six months and counsil you on weight loss. I mean i have been seeing my doctor  since im nine. He knows i have been over weight my hole life. and  i have to wait six months befor they will even review my file. I mean i knew it wouldnt happen over night but now im not even going to be able to try and get approved for this untill six months. What does this mean i wont be able to have the surery for ten to twelve months? this is very discouraging. Does everyones insurance do this or is this just GHI? If anyones has info please let me know thanks jenn

I saw my doc for about 1 year.  Mostly because the actual lapband procedure had not been approved by BXBS Excellus.  Once they approved the procedure in 11/06 it was 5 months before my surgery.

Ya but there saying i cant even start the approval process untill six months of doctor visits.I dont know i guess im scared and i want to get the ball rolling so i dont chicken out lol!! Im really confused to what surgery i should choose. are you happy with your lap band and the results? some people say it is slow but it seems like there is not as many side effects?

It was a 2 year process from the 1st time I called insurance to my surgery date.  I can tell you it was well worth it!! 

OMG DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE saying generally negative things about the band!  There are many of us on OH that have lost loads of weight in less than 2 months!  I'm down 49 lbs since surgery May 8th.  Others have lost much more than me in that same time frame.  The stats being provided are way off, too!  So be careful what people tell you about the band!  Definitely no "side effects".  It's a restrictive surgery, so one doesn't experience dumping or the malabsorbing of the needed nutrients.  Add me and feel free to ask away!!!!

Wow that is amazing im so happy for you. I have an appointment for my consultation on thursday im really scared and nervous. I made the appiontment with Doctor Roslin in new york. Have you heard any good things about him? Im hoping he can help me make this decision. i just want to make sure if i go through this i get i get results that im happy with. why do they say alot of people dont make there goals and they also say that alot of people wind up doing the RNY. how was the pain after surgery and do you throw up alot? Im a little scared of that.

The thing about stats is who was polled, what time frame, etc.  Lapband has only been done in the US since 2001.  I climbed off the guerney (sp) to my hospital bed without assistance, walking loads while still there.  2 days after surgery I was raking my lawn, 3 weeks after I was back working out at CURVES.  The ONLY pain I had was gas pain.  I have vomited 1x about 2 weeks ago.  I tried BBQ chicken and began eating the way I used to, not chewing and not waiting 3 - 5 minutes between bites.  I typically do not wait that long between bites anyway.  I think it was the dryness and quickness combination.   I believe I will reach my goal by December!  7 months... One thing...we're all emotional about our surgeries, but I haven't seen one post-op'er who says they wish they never did it!

Thank you so much for being so helpfull. good luck in your journey and keep that possitve energy flowing. jenn

Unfortunately, some insurance companies are like that. There is nothing you can do about it but follow what they want and get it done. Until you have this in writing along with all your other pre-op requirements, you will not get an approval for your surgery, and it may mean almost a year down the road.  Insurance companies suck. but you gotta do what they want. They hold the power unfortunately.

I had to. But not my primary care....with a nutritionist. Check you're ins policy and make sure you're with the right Dr.

It will be worth it hun. It goes fast really, just something you have to do.

I had to see my Doctor for 6 months of CONSECUTIVE documentation. Although I couldn't wait to have the surgery, I was one of the few that saw this as a blessing in disguise. I used the time to really try to wrap my brain around what it was I was actually getting ready for.  This was so much better than just a split decision because I researched some more, read everything pertaining to WLS and went to many education and support groups. (Not those just required by the insurance company or Dr. office protocol.) I lived on this board and asked lots and lots of questions. Time just flew by ( Ask anyone) and I feel was well spent. You can use this time to practice cutting down on soda and such and practice to eat slower so as to makeyour transition easier. I can honestly say that by the time of surgery, I was anxious (normal), but very much at peace with the decision. Either way you are going to have to wait, so it's up to you how productive you want this time to be. Try to see this in a positive light since you don't have a choice. It's a great time to get all of your ducks in a row. Good Luck To You ~~ Diane PS the different surgeries are a very personal decision and you will hear that over and over again. Great successes in both and vice versa.