Pretest Does It Really Take 6 months Before You Have your surgury

[Cupcake 801]

Hi I live in Mi and I am at the begining stage, I just found out today that my insurance covers the entire procedure. But I have to have 6 visits all in different months with my doctor before I can have my surgury. Is this normal and did anyone have the same issue with Bluecare Network Thank you. Im just so excited and ready to get started on my journal.

[Ms.Yvette 96]

I have 1199 insurance and its a 6 month wait. 6 consecutive Dr. Visits. Make sure you do not miss one because then you have to start the process all over. To be honest it is going quick for me. So much so that I don't even want to do it now. Im in my 3rd month.

[Leleboo 104]

Hi I live in Mi and I am at the begining stage, I just found out today that my insurance covers the entire procedure. But I have to have 6 visits all in different months with my doctor before I can have my surgury. Is this normal and did anyone have the same issue with Bluecare Network Thank you. Im just so excited and ready to get started on my journal.

Yes I have Blue Care Network and I began the whole process June 27, 2012 and I had my surgery March 28, 2013 at U of M. Once you finish your 6 months you may still have to wait to be scheduled for surgery - once I completed my 6 months I had to wait 2 more months.

[Cupcake 801]

I have 1199 insurance and its a 6 month wait. 6 consecutive Dr. Visits. Make sure you do not miss one because then you have to start the process all over. To be honest it is going quick for me. So much so that I don't even want to do it now. Im in my 3rd month.

Thank you I wish I was at the stage you are in I am so ready but thank you for your response, are you getting cold feet?

[lucy00us 7]

Each insurance company has diffre requirements. Mine was four visits, but the total process from first visit to approval was six months. You should use that time to go to all your specialists, try out Protein shakes, and go to support groups.

Good luck in the beginning of your journey!

[Cupcake 801]

Yes I have Blue Care Network and I began the whole process June 27, 2012 and I had my surgery March 28, 2013 at U of M. Once you finish your 6 months you may still have to wait to be scheduled for surgery - once I completed my 6 months I had to wait 2 more months.

I hope not but if I do I will be a champ about it because I did not get to this weight overnight, thank you for your comments.

[Cupcake 801]

Each insurance company has diffre requirements. Mine was four visits, but the total process from first visit to approval was six months. You should use that time to go to all your specialists, try out Protein shakes, and go to support groups.

Good luck in the beginning of your journey!

Thank you thats a positive way to look at it, I will use this time to prepare myself, attend meetings and prep for what I will need. Thank you again.

[Travelbug1955 23]

It took my sister 6 months and my niece has to wait 6 months also. I don't have to wait since I am using a surgeon in Mexico. I am also paying cash with a much smaller bill. Surgery in the US is out of hand and they charge much more than any other country. It's not any safer here than Mexico, I know since I have had several surgeries and hospitalizations here in the US and Mexico. They overcharge for everything here! I'm tired of being charged $30,000 for just 2 nights in the hospital here in the US. Then they charge you for every other little thing they can conjure up! In Mexico, a gastric sleeve is total cost of $6500 including hospital, x-rays, surgery, medications and everything! I got my airline tickets free using my miles awards. I'm tired of being ripped off by the hospitals, doctors and pharmacies here in the US.

[gia24 85]

Each insurance company has different requirements, but it's typical to have things each insurance company wants you to do before you have a major surgery. Everyone goes through it, it's frustrating but it's worth it in the end. Good luck and just know it'll be worth it in the end!

[Tiny One 223]

It depends on your insurance. I have Independence Blue Cross. There was no waiting period for me. I just had to get all of the required specialist visits & exams done. When i had my initial consult with surgeon, she asked me when did I want to have the surgery & i told her Nov or Dec. So we scheduled all specialist visits immediately. i started the journey in July last year & had surgery Nov 7.

Initially I looked at everything I had to do & thought it would take forever. But it actually went pretty quick.

[ladybug64 1]

I have Blue Cross/ Blue Sheild and I do not have a waiting period. I am just required to visit with the dietician for post surgery diets, the psych test, the surgeon, primary care doctor and lab work. My BMI is over 40.0.-- so my insurance says lets go.

[Cupcake 801]

Each insurance company has different requirements, but it's typical to have things each insurance company wants you to do before you have a major surgery. Everyone goes through it, it's frustrating but it's worth it in the end. Good luck and just know it'll be worth it in the end!

Thank you I know that you are right I am just so eager to get started, thanks you for the support.

[Cupcake 801]

It depends on your insurance. I have Independence Blue Cross. There was no waiting period for me. I just had to get all of the required specialist visits & exams done. When i had my initial consult with surgeon, she asked me when did I want to have the surgery & i told her Nov or Dec. So we scheduled all specialist visits immediately. i started the journey in July last year & had surgery Nov 7.

Initially I looked at everything I had to do & thought it would take forever. But it actually went pretty quick.

wow thats great I hope mine goes that smoothly.

[Ms.Yvette 96]

Thank you I wish I was at the stage you are in I am so ready but thank you for your response, are you getting cold feet?

Well I am in cancer remission and I've read some scary things about cancer reoccurring else where. I have to talk to my oncologist and my gastro drs. before I get it. But I just read a quote from someone that said "are you really living life now"? So, basically I'm not, so I guess I should just do it. I have yet to go to the support groups. I'm hoping to go this week and see if anyone there can give me insight. Plus these boards are awesome. Just do all of the research. I also created a cute binder with all of my wls stuff. Google the WLS bible.