Average wait time to get sleeve?

[tbrick512 8]

Hi. I am super new here and getting ready to start process for sleeve. What is average wait?

In Nebraska with Blue Cross if that matters

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[keto_jo 9]

I think a lot of it depends on how quickly you get things done. Also some insurances require X amount of months of supervised dieting by a doctor.

I just started my process on June 1st. Most of my initial appts are being done in June.

Good luck.

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[KristenLe 5,979]

@@tbrick512 I recommend calling your insurance company to obtain their requirements for approval. Many BCBS plans require a 6 month medically supervised weight loss program before they will process your request for authorization.

[charley27 164]

I have BCBS Illinois and my first appointment was May 26. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, there was a slight delay, and the insurance didn't get the papers the first time my office faxed them in. But from day of first consultation appointment to surgery will be one month and one day. Surgery is scheduled for June 27.

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[tbrick512 8]

I have BCBS Illinois and my first appointment was May 26. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, there was a slight delay, and the insurance didn't get the papers the first time my office faxed them in. But from day of first consultation appointment to surgery will be one month and one day. Surgery is scheduled for June 27.

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Wow! That's pretty amazing....

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[dvons 63]

I was told 6-8 weeks after I finish all the testing: apnea, cardiac, nutrition classes, endoscopy.

[nictimbur 6]

I started my process in January. Humana required 4months of visits with doctor, nutritionist, and psychological exam. Was approved by May and schedule date is July 1st for gastric sleeve.

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[StephBradlee 21]

My insurance (Aetna) in NJ required 6 mos of monitored nutritionist and doctor visits, ultrasound, upper endoscopy, psych eval, and primary care clearance. I started in January. I go for my sleeve Friday morning.

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[inhiskingdom 39]

I have Blue Shield of California and I had to show 6 months of supervised diet; I just had my endoscopy today. I started the process early January and I was told my surgery will probably be late July or early August

[robyn6868 3]

I started my process in January. Humana required 4months of visits with doctor, nutritionist, and psychological exam. Was approved by May and schedule date is July 1st for gastric sleeve.

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I just saw my dr for the first time on Monday. I also have Humana. Do you mind me asking how long it took to get your pre-approval for surgery after you completed all of your appointments and sent in all of your paperwork?

[NYSuperDuck 77]

I have BCBS Illinois and my first appointment was May 26. Since it was Memorial Day weekend, there was a slight delay, and the insurance didn't get the papers the first time my office faxed them in. But from day of first consultation appointment to surgery will be one month and one day. Surgery is scheduled for June 27.

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That's the fastest I've heard! Mine was 8 weeks and 6 days between my first appointment and my surgery date (April 7 to June 8) and I thought that was fast. Good luck!

To the OP- I think it varies for a lot of reasons. Plans can vary wildly in what they require to cover it. I think the best thing you can do is make sure your surgeon's practice is big enough and practiced enough to have plenty of experience working with your insurer. The better your surgeon's office knows the insurance and how to get them to approve VSG, the smoother things are likely to go. Good luck to you, too!

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Edited June 15, 2016 by NYSuperDuck

[kmorri 1,689]

It really depends on your insurance plan's requirements. One of your first steps should be to call your insurance and ask for the medical policy requirements for WLS. Knowing all the requirements upfront will help you. You don't want any surprises later down the road. You can also sometimes find the medical policy online but I think it's best to call and ask for it so you're sure you have the one that applies to your specific policy.

Good luck on your journey!

[JBN520 2]

What if we are paying out of pocket? My insurance won't cover it? I am meeting with a doctor on Thursday. I'm wondering if I could get it done by early August?

[Gaetano930 10]

Just to make you aware especially if you are paying privately you should start making your medical appointments even while you are waiting for your surgical consult. Most doctors require basic clearances. Sometimes getting in all the doctors appt.'s is what takes time. I found out what my insurance required and started my nutrition appt.'s and PFT test before I even saw my surgeon.

Good luck!