6 month wait

I currently have United Healthcare through medicaid NY.  I recently just saw the surgeon, cardio, pulm, nutritionists, and got my lab work done.  I was going to switch to healthfirst but my surgeon will not be able to do the surgery if I do that. My reason for switching was to be able to get the surgery done without the 6 month supervised diet.  I know there are other surgeons that take healthfirst but I feel really comfortable with the surgeon I have chosen. Does anyone have any experience with NY medicaid and with their HMO plans? Any information will be greatly appreciated

I don't have any info on insurance but I wanted to mention the 6-month wait. I don't think anyone wants to wait BUT everyone I talk to in my support group says it was really helpful. I have to agree with them. I think it gives you time to face your disordered eating habits and look at your weight in a new way. I also think it gives you time to mentally prepare for the surgery. Initially, I was just like you but I figured if it worked for so many others it might work for me. I think the time with the dietitian, going to exercise classes, coming to terms with letting go of food over time, all these things made this process easier. Now that I'm post-op I have to say I'm glad I didn't rush this process. It took a lifetime to get here and it's about more than just a surgical fix. Just remember if you have to do the 6-month program it may actually help you- like it did me and many others- in the long run. Either way, good luck on your journey!

I had 2 options with my insurance.  I could follow a 6 month supervised diet with my PCP or a 3 month supervised diet with an exercise program which meant hiring a personal trainer.  I chose the 6 month route.  For me personally, it was the best choice.   I really had no idea how all consuming it would be until I used those months to learn as much as I could by coming to OH.   I used that time to become more knowledgeable about what life would be like as a post op patient.  I came to the boards daily, for hours, and read everything I could about everything that was posted.  The clinics can spend only so much time instructing us.  For example, when  we were told to chew well....very well, it was on OH where I learned why it was important by reading posts by those who where having issues with getting food stuck.  I have said all along, taking the slower route for me was the best decision I made.  I know this did not answer your question directly, but I hope it gave you another perspective.

Thanks so much for the info. I guess I am so eager because this will be a revision from the band to bypass for me.  Time is not so much the issue for me but trying to plan around school since I am in medical school outside the country.  It is obvious I didn't do this right the 1st time around so maybe taking the 6 months will help me be more successful this time around. I will probably be taking off a year from school anyway now so all should hopefully work out.  I will be sure to keep everyone posted on the progress.