Hello All, I also have BCBS IL ***. I was required to complete a 6 month program, which I started back in November 2011. After that was finished with that in April I had to get a pre-surgical refferal to see the suregon from my primary doctor(1st visit with him was also in April). My surgeon Dr. Shayani had me complete lab work, psych visit, ekg, and esophogram. I completed all that in about 2 1/2 weeks (Yes I rushed to complete it ) I returned to my primary doctor to get a surgical refferal. They submitted my paperwork to the insurance company, and it only took about a week before I got a call back from my surgeon's office with a date. I got that call the end of April/beginning of May and had a date of May 23rd, but I had to move it back cause I wanted to take some time off of work after the surgery. So June 5th it is. I credit my surgeon's office with getting me scheduled so quickly, they were sending in my paperwork to the insurance company right after my doctors visit.
I hope everything goes well with you all. I totally understand where you all are coming from. I was on pins and needles, and it seemed like the wait was forever. Before you know it you will be in your post op phase.
Best of luck to all!!