Frustrated with this long WAIT to get a surgery date

[Maggie Journey 126]

I had expected/hoped to have an April date, but now it's probably going to be May?

My Anthem BCBS insurance required the long route including all sorts of tests, recommendation letters from PCP, psych visits & psych clearance, and 6 months of nutrition visits as well as other required classes. I've been at this diligently since October 2015. Finally, this week on 4/7/16 was my last #6 of 6 monthly nut visits. I was so excited, I barely slept the night before this appointment. Now I'm DONE with preliminaries! My PA was so excited with me at that appointment, and I had the impression from her that everything would be fast-track now.

I checked in that day with the coordinator and they're preparing to submit everything to my insurance company. They weren't talking about surgery dates or giving me any info about what's next, so I asked questions. They said it will probably take 2-3 weeks for the insurance company to review/approve, and THEN they'll talk to me about starting the 2 week pre-op diet and schedule a surgery date. That feels like they've just added about 5 more weeks to this process??

I went from euphoric happiness on the day of my last appointment, to emotionally crashing. This is such a roller-coaster of emotions.

I called my insurance company yesterday to see if they got the paperwork yet; they hadn't. I'll call the coordinator at my surgeon's office on Monday to see if/when they sent the paperwork. I feel like I'm going to have to ride everyone to push through this paperwork and approval stage. I hope that the rest of this process isn't really as long as they seem to be saying.

Not having a date is the most frustrating part. I will have to plan around my job and prepare to be out. My daughter has to notify her job also, so that she can take some time off to help me. Once I have a date, I know I'll be able to focus on that and will get through.

Has anyone else at this point in the process (in limbo), and able to make things move along better? Any ideas or advice will be much appreciated. Thanks. <3

[shrinkingkimber 200]

I too have BC BS and had to jump through all the hoops you did. I finished everything on April 1 however due to a medication that I am on that suppresses my immune system I can't even have my surgery till after June 2 which led to a surgery date of June 9. So believe me I understand having to wait a long time after finishing the requirements.

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[Maggie Journey 126]

I too have BC BS and had to jump through all the hoops you did. I finished everything on April 1 however due to a medication that I am on that suppresses my immune system I can't even have my surgery till after June 2 which led to a surgery date of June 9. So believe me I understand having to wait a long time after finishing the requirements.

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Hi Kimber,

I'm sorry, 2 more months added. I guess that BCBS is one of the slowest ones. I'm glad to hear that you're scheduled, at least. Does it feel a little better to have a date to count down to?

[shrinkingkimber 200]

I too have BC BS and had to jump through all the hoops you did. I finished everything on April 1 however due to a medication that I am on that suppresses my immune system I can't even have my surgery till after June 2 which led to a surgery date of June 9. So believe me I understand having to wait a long time after finishing the requirements.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Kimber,

I'm sorry, 2 more months added. I guess that BCBS is one of the slowest ones. I'm glad to hear that you're scheduled, at least. Does it feel a little better to have a date to count down to?

It actually does. Even though it is two months away I have a date to look forward to and it kind of helps settle all of the emotions you spoke of in the first post. I sure hope you get your date soon and I'm looking forward to following your journey!

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[tiffanymarie6997 115]

I have Anthem BC/BS. My surgery was approved about 4 days after everything was submitted, and my surgery is now only 9 days away! Maybe it won't take as long as they are saying....they're probably telling you worst case scenario so if you don't hear anything after a few days you're not in panic mode.

[MikeyS 455 12]

Good luck hope u get ur sugery fate soon

[2goldengirl 2,076]

I know how disappointed you must feel - some people have to wait for other reasons, such as surgeons who are booked a month or two in advance (or hospital scheduling limitations).

I often think that there is some kind of link between not handling frustration well and ending up overweight enough to need WLS. I had to wait longer than I wanted for my surgery. What ought to have been a < 90-day process ended up taking twice that long, what with one thing and another, including the Holidays.

It ended up being a great stretch of time to reflect/revisit/ponder where I am, how I got here, and to get my ducks in a row so that I really DO make the most of this opportunity. I wish the same for you.

Edited April 10, 2016 by 2goldengirl

[DaisyAmy 561]

Yes, I agree @2goldengirl. I had the six month program and then was delayed another 5 months due to uterine cancer.

All that matters in the end is that the surgeon removed my cancer, and I am now on the losers' bench and getting healthier every day.

A few weeks delay won't matter in the great scheme of things. Take this time to continue to make healthy changes in your life. You'll get there soon enough!!