Ok. So I had the sleeve done yesterday here in NC, and your process sounds a lot like mine. After my year of NUT visits, I had to have another preconsult with my surgeon, do a pre-op meeting and all new lab tests. Typically you cannot set up your surgery until your prior authorization for surgery has gone thru. Since my surgeon deals with the same couple insurance policies, they knew exactly how long it would take to get my approval in. The day of my last pre-surgery appt with the surgeon, the penciled me in for my surgery date 17 days later. Exactly 2 weeks before my scheduled surgery, my approval came in and I was immediately put on the Optifast diet. After that, I did all the meetings, tests, pre-op hospital paperwork etc. 13 days later I was in the OR, the next day (today) I was able to pass all discharge instructions and tests, and now I’m back at home, no pain meds or anything needed. I guess to shorten it down, no you can’t be officially scheduled until you’re approved, but you surgeon may be able to pencil in a date for you and if all goes well and on time, you’ll have no problem keeping that date. Hope this helps with some of your questions. I can’t help with the switch or RNY info since the best and safest option for me was the sleeve. If you want more information regarding those two options, you should jump on the boards for the RNY and then the switch one as well and ask those people questions. Most everyone here is very kind and helpful and will answer any questions you may have. Good luck!
HW: 311 CW: 255 SW: 255 First goal weight: 191 lbs Second goal weight: 159 lbs Goal weight: 142 lbs
I am also having my surgery through Duke but doing the gastric bypass. I didn’t have any of the waiting or additional appointments most insurances require. As soon as I finished their checklist they scheduled me for surgery (May 24th) and it only took about a week for insurance to approve. I wish you luck in your journey!
