Can Anyone Explain the Process to Me?

[JLA1975 0]

Like what happens from consult to surgery?

How long does it take to get a surgery date and what happens in between.

I have Anthem so I'm not sure what there requirements are yet as far as pre-op dieting is concerned.

Thanks so much!

[Jodi_620 37]

Every doctor has their own program so all I can do is tell you how mine went.

1.) Attended a seminar to learn about the Lap Band

2.) Went to the consult, was weighed and talked about my BMI, health history, how the Lap Band works, process leading up to surgery. Was given orders for sleep study (if necessary), upper GI at radiologist, Bloodwork/EKG at my family doctors office. Scheduled Psych evaluation with in-house psych. While I was doing all this, the insurance coordinator was on the phone getting the ball rolling on insurance.

3.) Received my insurance approval letter.

4.) Went to Radiologist and got upper GI

5.) Went to Family doctor and got EKG, Bloodwork and surgery release letter

6.) Saw psych, first visit 1-2 hours to take test, second visit 30 minutes to discuss test and surgery. Scheduled visit with nutritionist

7.) Saw nutritionist first visit to discuss my current eating habits second visit to discuss how I would be eating pre-op and post-op.

8.) Saw surgeon for pre-op. Went over all above tests and visits, scheduled surgery date, discussed procedures for checking in at hospital etc.

Start to finish, about one month. Of that time, one week for insurance approval with United Healthcare. No pre-op requirements (i.e. supervised diet, weight history etc.)

[JLA1975 0]

Thanks for your reply. It definitely gives a better idea of what to expect if my insurance doesn't have a pre-op diet requirement. I was thinking it would be months but it's good to know that maybe in a month I could have a surgery date.

[coloradobanding 5]

I have Anthem also (Lumenos) and here is what I did/didn't do.

I DIDN'T go to a seminar, I had done my own research since 2003

I DID NOT need a referring doctor, went straight to my Bariatric Surgeon

I DID NOT require a lengthy pre-op diet (only 3 days full liquids, but let me tell you it was not easy).

I DID contact my surgeon inquiring about cost/coverate. 3 days later I was called back and told I was approved!

I went to my initial consult on 11/24. I was told that after taking my psych eval. and nutrition class they could get me in as early as 12/1! Needless to say I was SHOCKED and EXCITED, but didn't have any time off accrued until Jan 09. So I waited.

From initial phone call to surgery was about 2 months. But if I had chosen to, could've been in as little as 2 weeks!

Hope that helps!

[dreamer69 0]

I had to do the 6month pre-op diet documentation...Grrrrr... But its basically the same process.

1- Attend a seminar of your choice, I choose a location as near as it could be where I lived lol

2- I had to get some (alot) test of course, you send all that info to your doctor and your bariatric surgeon etc.

3- Follow up with your doctor 6months.

4- See a nutrionist, psychologist and Nurse so they can further explain the process

5- When 6months are up, send all info to the Nurse, they fax the info to the insurance co.

6- Wait.................... to hear a reply LOL

7- Nurse calls, tells you if you were approved or not for sugery. I was approved :ohmy:

8- Make an appointment with my Nutrtionist to take measurements of my body fat, etc... Further explain what I'll be eating or not for liquid diet 2 weeks.

9- Had to see the surgeon so he can again explain the lapband etc...

10- They call, and tell you date of surgery.

9- Surgury Date 4/2 WOOT!

Thats basically it, seems complicated but it really isn't. Luckily, the staff are so friendly, helpful and so professional that they remember me everytime I call lol I love them.

Best,

Chris