Double covered, have funds but no surgery date!

circa · April 15, 2009

So BOTH of my insurance carriers will pay for the lap band surgery. I have plenty of funds in my healthcare account to cover any incidentals and fills, if need be. The only thing I'm missing is a surgery date! The local surgical group is scheduling surgeries for in the FALL. That's like 6 months away! Is this common? I'm thinking of going to another surgical center that could get me in faster - I just need to make sure I can go see a local doctor for followup care - fills, etc.

WorkingMom · April 15, 2009

I went to a top center in NYC and from my consult with the surgeon ( after my 6 month medically supervised diet) I was given a surgery date 6 weeks out. It probably would have been less had it not been around the Xmas/NY holidays.

Six months does seem far - - are you comfortable with any other surgeons/centers in your area?

ParrotheadCathy · April 15, 2009

Where are you located? Where is the doctor? I had my surgery in Atlanta (a very large city). My first consult was 1/2 and my surgery was 2/10. I could have had surgery sooner but the doc that did the sleep study was booked up and had to work me in for the study. If we know where you are, perhaps someone has a specific recommendation.

circa · April 15, 2009

That's just it - there are no other surgeons in my area. The next closest place is 2.5 hours away. I'm checking to see if that would work out.

ParrotheadCathy · April 15, 2009

Circa, what town/city are you in? If it's a small town, what's the nearest larger city? Like I said before, someone here may have information you couldn't find. Never underestimate the power of a group!

circa · April 16, 2009

Circa, what town/city are you in? If it's a small town, what's the nearest larger city? Like I said before, someone here may have information you couldn't find. Never underestimate the power of a group!

Grand Rapids is the next closest city at about 2.5-3 hours away. I'm already looking into it