Question:
Is there a time limit on when you can have your surgery done?

I have already been aproved for surgery.....in Jan of 2002! I was told by the WLS Psychologist that I needed behavior modification therapy before I could proceed. Because of financial and transportation problems (we live in the boonies) I have yet to complete my counseling. The nurse said she could stretch the approval from the insurance but Im not sure when I can complete the counseling. When is it too late to do the operation on this approval and will I have to start all over again if I dont get this done soon??    — Darcy O. (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 22, 2003
I think it is probably too late to stretch it this far already! Most approvals are good for 30-60 days, some longer if there are special circumstances (like a death in the family). Your insurance company will certainly change criteria over the course of a couple years. At this point I would get going on your counseling - that can take a few months to a few years. It is important to be mentally ready - because your success will depend on it. Once you and your therapist think you are ready, get your surgeon to ask that the approval be updated, and they will tell you if they want new stuff or if their criteria has changed. They will certainly expect to see new records, and you will need new screening tests to see how your heart is doing and that sort of thing. I'm not sure how you feel about where you live, but if you are too far to get decent counseling, how difficult will it be for you to get ongoing medical care, or exercise, or support groups? If you have considered moving a little closer to civilization, these sound like good reasons to me.
   — bethybb

September 22, 2003
Hi there~ well, I just had my 1st consult with my surgeon today and he mentioned to me that after "approval" you have 6 months to have your surgery, after that, the process begins again :o( Sorry...
   — blank first name B.