How much time did it actually take before getting the procedure done?

[PrincessRockem 0]

Hi guys, Im actually new to this forum, so hello to you all:smile:

I wanted to have the lap band procedure done next year, & I was just a little curious about the time frame up to the point of actually getting the procedure done.

How much time in between consultations & insurance company approval was there before you could actually get the procedure done?

Thankyou for your responses in Advance!

[mems 1]

I had my initial consultation 6/09 and my surgery was 8/09 good luck on your new journey

[MsShay 0]

It really depends on your insurance and whether or not they will pay. I started this process August 4th but wound up have gall bladder surgery and then fighting with my insurance (had to appeal). I am scheduled for surgery this coming Monday, December 28th. So the process took a little long for me.

[adjua 0]

It took about a year for me from the time I made the first call to the surgeon. My insurance company required 6 months' of supervised weight loss. There were a LOT of changes and slow downs with my surgeon's office and the bariatric center, and I also tried (unsuccessfully) to get the vertical sleeve procedure approved. My insurance company was actually quite quick with its decisions.

[MsShay 0]

I guess I really can't complain about how long it took. I am just glad to it was approved in four months.

[crzytchr 3]

As stated before, it depends on your insurance company and if they require you to jump through a bunch of hoops or not. Insurance paid for mine and it took a little over 3 weeks from my consultation until surgery. I had my 5 year documented weight history from doctor visits and I had a qualifying BMI and few comorbidities, so I was approved quickly. It also helps to have a case manager at the surgeon's office who knows what to do and how your insurance works. Good luck!

[kagead 0]

I went to a seminar on Nov 24 and met with the Nurse Practitioner at the surgeon's office on Dec. 7. Between their own program requirements and those of my insurance company (which will happen concurrently), she told me to expect a surgery date in March or April. So, 3 or 4 months.

Due to work obligations I won't be able to do anything until May.

kagead

[umystifyme 3]

I started this process on March 12, 2009 and was banded on December 23, 2009. My insurance company required 6 months of supervised weight loss with my pcp, monthly meetings with a psychologist for 6 months along with psychological testing, and monthly weight loss meetings for six months. I also had to have a BMI of 40 or greater and co-morbidities.

I had a BMI of 42 with several co-morbidities. I began the 6 month supervised weight loss program on March 12, 2009. I met with a psychologist for the first time in April 2009 and underwent psychological testing in June 2009. I met with my surgeon in June 2009 and then again in August 2009 after I finished all of the above requirements. The program coordinator at my surgeon's office submitted my documents to the insurance company for approval on September 2, 2009.

I was approved for surgery on October 6, 2009. I did not have the surgery right away, because I was dealing with thyroid problems and undergoing tests for thyroid cancer. When all the tests came back fine, I went for my pre-op tests and scheduled time off of work and here I am.... Banded December 23, 2009!!!