Although I hand delivered all of my clinicals and information to my surgeon's office over a week ago, I spent all last week playing phone tag with the insurance speacialist regarding her submitting the paperwork. We spoke Friday at 5:30pm and the bottom line is that she STILL had not submitted the paperwork. The issue is that I need a 6 month supervised diet and I had 5 visits over a 6 month period and so we are not sure if the insurance company with approve the surgery.

I finally submitted the paperwork myself to the insurance company this morning because I need closure...I need to know if I am approved or not so that I can plan my summer, figure out if I need to "re-do" the diet and just move ahead.

So now I wait and hope that I hear good news....

This waiting is killing me.:thumbup:

Good for you. That took no time.

I know you feel better now.

@Beachbunny, if I don't hear by Monday I will call them. I'm busy 'til then anyway.

APPROVED 6/25@ 10AM!!!

God is so good and I feel soooooooo relieved now and ready to get my "band on"...lol.

Thanks for all the supporters that helped to keep me calm.

Great!!! congratulations!! :bored: :thumbup:

Now looking back you see that took you just short of a month.

I know how it feels though to want to do it and get on with the next part of your life.

Let us know your surgery date and how you're doing.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mo, I am sooooooooooooo happy for you!!! WHat great news to get on a Friday morning!! Yeehaw!!!!!! :bored:

Thanks Jamie!

Have you checked on the status of your approval? (fingers crossed)

insiders perspective......yes i agree waiting sux...especially when "patience" as a patient is not in my vocabulary.

i work for an insurance co, in authorizations of all places, so maybe that helped me knowing what to do/expect.

1. know your insurance's medical policy for the lap band/procedure code-43770(is one used). what do they require: bmi w/o comorbidities, 3-6m proof of failed wt loss attempts in last 2 years documented(most will accept the weigh in sheets or cancelled checks/payroll deduc) as proof, and the psych eval**be sure u know who they accept-licencesed clinical professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist**-i had to go thru a loop since mine was done by the one the hospital uses (who is a licsw) and it had to get the med directors approval on it.

2. know ur insurance company's turn around time from the nurse's once all ur documentaiton is submitted. (most is under a week by time they get all the clinicals and support-week being business days).

3. keep documentation/communication flowing between your surgeon's office/insurance/self.

i just got approved friday at work, and had tears of joy at my desk. i meet w/the dieticiatn/preop both on monday morning....i have my eas drinks in the fridge waiting...

Congratulation on being approved

Best of luck to all of you waiting to get banded. I jumped through hoops and waited for 18 months, but was finally banded April 7. I have lost 50 pounds now and the time has just flown by. I am so happy! I love my band!:smile2::w00t::thumbup:

Good luck on getting the final approval. I'm at a stage of discouragement myself. I started this journey in January and was told I had to do a 6 month routine with my regular doctor which I have been doing. I'm afraid because I will be changing insurance in July and although I was told they cover it I not sure what will happen. I'm just so ready for this to be over. I guess the waiting helps prepare us mentally and physically. Hang in there.

Still waiting on insurance approval! Paperwork was submitted to Cigna on June 8. Made a call today and was told it can take up to 30 days. Last week they told me up to 45 days!:scared2: Many congrats to all of you that received your approvals for surgery!