I thought I'd get some answers....

donbie · February 15, 2011

Today was my first visit with the surgeon AND my first diet class. When I called my insurance to inquire about bariatric surgery I was given a list of requirements to obtain a pre-authorization. They did not mention a six month monitored diet and when I specifically asked I was told "the list says nothing about a six month diet." Soooo....I had hoped that with the visit to the surgeon this could be confimed/denied. The surgeon's nurse told me to go to the diet classes b/c sometimes my insurance requires it and sometimes they don't, lol. She did say they would submit once all the pre-tests were done. That should be by the end of March. I guess I'll find out then if we can get this party started or if it'll take another 4 months...Grrrrrr. I also got word two nights ago that I was accepted to start RN clinicals in May! I sure wish I could get a handle on the timeline for the surgery so, I'd know what to plan for school wise. I plan on taking two weeks off of work, but will not be able to miss any school. The clinicals are going to be part-time, one night a week lecture and one clinical..so I hope I can be banded and return right to class without missing a day. OR best case I don't need the full six months and I get banded BEFORE I even start. Oh my,,,I'm gonna be crazy before this is all over!

OnMyWay2Thin · February 16, 2011

I think you may get lucky and get banded prior to the start of your classes so you don't have to be concerned about attending class so soon. Two weeks off from work is what I had and it worked great. I'm sorry to tell you, though, you would not be able to get banded one day and return to class the next... I think you would need at least a few days considering I went through with no complications and was feeling good at about day 4 or so. You don't want to chance rushing back to something and tearing something or being too eager to return to your routine and foul up something.

You didn't mention what insurance you have... I have Aetna and it was about 3 months before final approval. Good luck with the timeline working out for you!

donbie · February 16, 2011

I think you may get lucky and get banded prior to the start of your classes so you don't have to be concerned about attending class so soon. Two weeks off from work is what I had and it worked great. I'm sorry to tell you, though, you would not be able to get banded one day and return to class the next... I think you would need at least a few days considering I went through with no complications and was feeling good at about day 4 or so. You don't want to chance rushing back to something and tearing something or being too eager to return to your routine and foul up something.

You didn't mention what insurance you have... I have Aetna and it was about 3 months before final approval. Good luck with the timeline working out for you!

That would be wonderful and the best possible outcome! My insurance is UHC Select HMO. Four days doesn't sound bad at all. I think I could work around that if necessary. I am such a planner and every time I get too tied up in plans God/fate laughs at me and changes them all up. Oh well, you meet a lot of nice people on the side paths, lol.

Robin G · February 16, 2011

Today was my first visit with the surgeon AND my first diet class. When I called my insurance to inquire about bariatric surgery I was given a list of requirements to obtain a pre-authorization. They did not mention a six month monitored diet and when I specifically asked I was told "the list says nothing about a six month diet." Soooo....I had hoped that with the visit to the surgeon this could be confimed/denied. The surgeon's nurse told me to go to the diet classes b/c sometimes my insurance requires it and sometimes they don't, lol. She did say they would submit once all the pre-tests were done. That should be by the end of March. I guess I'll find out then if we can get this party started or if it'll take another 4 months...Grrrrrr. I also got word two nights ago that I was accepted to start RN clinicals in May! I sure wish I could get a handle on the timeline for the surgery so, I'd know what to plan for school wise. I plan on taking two weeks off of work, but will not be able to miss any school. The clinicals are going to be part-time, one night a week lecture and one clinical..so I hope I can be banded and return right to class without missing a day. OR best case I don't need the full six months and I get banded BEFORE I even start. Oh my,,,I'm gonna be crazy before this is all over!

I think these insurance companies are more trouble than they are worth.

Self pay is the way to go. I was banded two weeks after my initial consultation. No hassle no problem!

tiggi · February 17, 2011

Im an RN and went back to work after 2 weeks and Im doing great(banded 1/31), but my doc makes us have a 10# lifting restriction for 6 weeks post band. As a fellow nurse, you might have a hard time with clinicals not being able to lift...Maybe talk to your instructor and see if they're willing to work with you. Good luck on your band journey and in school. Tough road but worth it in the end!