How long until surgery?

[buttonsmommy 0]

Does anyone have a sense of an "average" time span between first surgeon consult and actual surgery? I've had one consult, additional physiological testing, nutrition and psychologic exams coming the 18th; don't see doc again until July 6. Trying to start new habits but frustrated in the process. Want to get this show on the road! Any helpful ideas?:tongue2:

[JaxsMom 0]

Sorry to say but it's different for everyone. There are different factors that determine how long its going to take: insurance, health issues, surgeon, etc.

I personally when to a seminar in February and my surgery is set for June 14th, but I could have had it in May if I wanted. I wanted to wait until I was out of school so I chose June 14.

My insurance required a supervised diet for 3 months and to see a psychologist. I had to go to my PCP once during February, March, and April. She faxed some documentation that I was trying to lose weight and I saw a psychologist once.

I've read in other posts that some people have had to wait 6 months and have more testing done.

My surgeons assistant was very knowledgeable about what my insurance required and had it all ready for me. I just followed what she requested.

I've also read that some people have met with their surgeons multiple times and I have only met with him for my consultation and my pre-op appointment.

Sorry this is probably not what you wanted to hear, but there is no definitive time line.

Good luck to you, though.

[buttonsmommy 0]

Thanks for your reply. I really need to lose weight soon (knees are starting to literally give out). My hospital has a weight loss program (medifast or similar I think) which I may as well start on if they consent. I'm afraid my insurance will hold me back as well as some others I have read. Good luck on your continued journey!

[khunt719 2]

I have Aetna POS for my insurance and it took 1 1/2 years from my first surgeon visit to getting my approval letter. I actually gave up but I just wanted to test the waters and see if I would get approved. The first time it went to the insurance I was denied, so I pursued it and went to the nut for 6 months and did all they asked. I had a really good one that worked with insurances and weight loss surgeons so she knew what was expected. After going to her for the 6 months and her filing all the paperwork, I had to do an appeal letter. It took about a month for me to get my approval letter and then 2 weeks until I had surgery. It was so worth it. Good Luck.

[buttonsmommy 0]

Thank you for your response. I have Cigna which also requires the 6 month "dance"; I am being pro-active getting letters from my gyn, orthopedic surgeon, and pcp all who have recommended surgery for me for the past 2 years. I am hopeful that somehow all this information will fulfill the 6 month requirement. It's taken me 2 years to make this decision and now I'm fighting anxiety over it not going as quickly as I'd like. But that's part of the process and goes to show commitment I guess.

[kagead 0]

Unfortunately there is no such thing as "average." It is completely dependent on insurance requirements (if you are using insurance), policies of your particular practice, how busy your surgeon may be, your overall health and the like.

Insurance is covering my procedure and I was not required to lose any weight prior to surgery (some people are, and that can obviously extend the time between consult and surgery.) I had to do a 3 month supervised diet, meet with the nutritionist one on one, attend 3 group nutrition classes, meet with my PCP at least twice, do an Upper GI, a psych consult, have a bunch of blood work, and an EKG.

I went to my seminar in late November and had my initial meeting with the Nurse Practitioner in my practice the first week of December '09. I will be banded on Monday, June 14th. All in all, about 7 months from start to surgery.

Good luck to you!

kagead

[Beachbunny 5]

the 6 month rule won't change ...they need to see a supervised diet for 6 months . Luckily my insurance doesn't require that.

[callista 0]

Does anyone have a sense of an "average" time span between first surgeon consult and actual surgery? I've had one consult, additional physiological testing, nutrition and psychologic exams coming the 18th; don't see doc again until July 6. Trying to start new habits but frustrated in the process. Want to get this show on the road! Any helpful ideas?:frown:

You may just have to relax while you wait because your frustration may just be because you're anxious about the procedure.