Just starting Out

[luckyme2g 35]

Hello everyone. I am Lisa, a 32 year old mom of 2 girls. I'm just getting started on the process. I went to the seminar on Sep 10 and am still waiting for the surgeon's office to verify benefits (not approval, just that WLS is a covered option). I'm already getting impatient, it has been a month almost and I can't even get in for he initial consultation yet! The office said 3 months is a typical wait from seminar to surgery but I will obviously be longer than that!

Anyway, I've been passing the time by lurking here and thought I would introduce myself and say hi ). My PCP recommended the sleeve but reading here helps me think of things to discuss with the surgeon when (if?!) I get to that initial appointment.

[MissErika 65]

Hi there and congratulations on taking the first step to a happier, healthier life!

Are there any other offices in your area that you can go speak to? I know some places have a long waiting list but I started my first process in May (seminar) then had surgery in August. I feel very lucky but I was also self pay. You can call your insurance and ask if your plan covers bariatric surgery, and if it does and you meet all the requirements (the BMI of 40 or 35 with two conditions) there should be no problem at all. If you can't even get a consultation for 3 months - I imagine you won't be able to get the actual surgery for a very long time. That is okay. But if this is something you truly want in your heart, and you are prepared for, you should look at other locations in your area (if there is one)

Good luck~

[luckyme2g 35]

There is one other practice that may take my insurance, and another place I could go to if I did self pay. It would probably take just as long or longer to switch over, plus I like the surgeon at the current place.

The frustrating part is that I have already talked to my insurance and know it should be covered but it apparently isn't as simple as them just telling that to the surgeon. Hopefully once the process gets started it will go quicker. I've been thinking about this for years and am ready to move forward!

[ElginChris 87]

Lucky, Part of the surgeons process is to make sure #1- that you are physically ready for the surgery and #2 - you are mentally ready as well . There are also insurance requirements that have to be met. Every surgeon or practice has different procedures as well, especially in terms pre surgery diet, order of tests, etc.

My process has been simple, i could have been 8 weeks Seminar to Surgery but it will be closer to 10. Very quick compared to some of the folks here.

I think the main thing is to ask a lot of questions, get specific answers regarding timelines and what yours and the surgeons and insurance companies responsibilities are and go from their.

If you dont like the wait or if you feel like you arent getting enough of response, see if there is another surgeon in your area that can do it for you!!!