From Surgeon appointment to surgery date!

[Amanda729 4]

Hey everyone,

I'm kinda new here. Been subscribed for a few months but I just mostly read threads to help me out. I was wondering what everyone's experience was like and how long you had to wait for your surgery date after the initial meeting with a surgeon? Any input would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance!!

[Cupcake 801]

Amamda729 hi have you had two surgeon consults , everyone is different I completed my first one yesterday and I am awaiting insurance approval I still have to meet with the surgeon again to sign all paperwork but it can vary depending on your program and insurances . I also had to do a 6 month weight management in which I have completed in Jan of this year.

Edited March 7, 2014 by Cupcake

[silentlove3 4]

Hi, I had my first app with the surgeon in January.she went through a series of questions about my diet, health and so on to see if I qualified for my WLS (wich I did) then proceeded on to giving me a list of tests and classes I have to take. I did finish the list .my last app is in April. After that I have to make a follow up app with the surgeon where she will give me the surgery date! So far so good!

[silentlove3 4]

Forgot to mention that it was a total of 3-4 month process for me

[Amanda729 4]

Hi everyone,

I have done a 6 month program. I've had all testing, lab work done, completed multiple different classes and support group meetings. March 4 was the end of my 6th month. I'm hoping the rest of this goes fast!

[Wallflower7522 328]

I took my time with everything but it was 9 months for me from my first appointment until my surgery. I could have sped it up and got that down to 8 but I was ok with the amount of time it took.

[Stacyann81 31]

Anyone know how long the actual insurance approval takes? I have to lose 30 pounds before surgery which will be around April 9th. Do you think it's possible to have the surgery in April too?

[Wallflower7522 328]

Anyone know how long the actual insurance approval takes? I have to lose 30 pounds before surgery which will be around April 9th. Do you think it's possible to have the surgery in April too?

It only took a couple of days once the insurance actually got the information but it took about 3 weeks to get all the information back in forth. I have UHC. I was hoping for a Feb 13th surgery date, my final appointment was on 1/8. I ended up being offered a Feb 18th date but opted to wait till March 4. You'll probably want to stay on top of your doctor's office and your insurance to get an approval that quickly.

[ljgh73 21]

Anyone know how long the actual insurance approval takes? I have to lose 30 pounds before surgery which will be around April 9th. Do you think it's possible to have the surgery in April too?

It only took a couple of days once the insurance actually got the information but it took about 3 weeks to get all the information back in forth. I have UHC. I was hoping for a Feb 13th surgery date, my final appointment was on 1/8. I ended up being offered a Feb 18th date but opted to wait till March 4. You'll probably want to stay on top of your doctor's office and your insurance to get an approval that quickly.

I agree!! Stay on the doctors office as well as call your insurance company. The number is on your card and it is YOUR insurance. Sometimes you can wait on hold a bit but I spoke to them a number of times because surgeons office said one thing and insurance would say another like "we sent it to insurance" them I'd hear "we never got the information" I can't imagine how painful it would have been to sit and wait only receiving information from one side. UGH. I was told by insurance they respond within two business days once paperwork is received. Problem for me was inaccurate information was sent and I had to run circles. I did it though. I hope no one else has to deal with denials and appeals.

[Cupcake 801]

I agree I have jut completes my medical clearance and my insurance informed me it is a 48 hour turn around once they get the information from the doctors for approval but I would stay on it because it is important to you not them. Good luck.

[sarah.gibson 50]

My timeline w/ BCBS Anthem:

January 27th: Initial Appt w/ Surgeon

February 5th: Nutritionist meeting

February 7th: Pulm clearance appt

February 11th: Cardiac clearance appt

February 23rd: Physical Trainer appt

February 25th: Psych eval

February 27th: Paperwork to BCBS Anthem

March 7th: Insurance Approval

SURGERY: March 24th!

[terry1118 1,274]

My first appointment w/my surgeon was in the beginning of March 2013 (I don't remember the date). My surgery was 5/30/13.

[Amanda729 4]

I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow and I'm hoping to get my date then too!!

[tracy23 0]

Is anyone from Georgia and uses peachtree bariatrics?

[silentlove3 4]

I have neighborhood health plan is there anyway for me to know my surgery date ? My last app is on the 28 of April for my nutrition class