I'm sorry for being so confused...I read on here that some people set their surgery date w/o first knowing for sure they're approved...is that just so you can get on the books?

I have my first meeting with the WLS doctor on Friday and just wasn't sure what to expect...procedure wise...Of course, I'm sure it's different everywhere.

I think that it depends on the doctors office. I had the opportunity to set a date but I wanted to be approved first. So when I got my letter from insurance I called them and we worked out a date. Welcome!

WooHoo, you're right around the corner from me.

Thank you so much for the welcome...this is an awesome site....

I'm ready for the surgery (not so much all the pre op testing, but I guess it's a good thing it's done)....I just have NO patience and want it right now.

WooHoo, you're right around the corner from me.

Thank you so much for the welcome...this is an awesome site....

I'm ready for the surgery (not so much all the pre op testing, but I guess it's a good thing it's done)....I just have NO patience and want it right now.

Hehe you have no patience just like me! My doc office sets the date after knowing if approved. I had to do the 3 month diet and then papers were submitted to insurance so you can probably see how my patience are doing. But it only took 4 days for approval with no problem. Now my surgery is Dec 20th due to my schedule and the doc's but Im HAPPPPPPY!

Wow, that's right around the corner....Good luck....I'm so ready and excited, I could POP!!!

Please keep me informed of your progress....I love learning all I can...

I was scheduled before I was approved. 36 hours before the surgery last March the hospital canceled my surgery and rescheduled it as they did not get the approval yet. The denial came 24 hours after the original scheduled date. The 2nd denial soon followed leading to the 2nd canceled surgery. Over the following several months I got denials on the 1st and 2nd level appeals before having the decision overturned in an independent external review. I am now scheduled for surgery 12/29 exactly 1 year and 15 days after I first walked into the introductory seminar. It can sometimes be a long frustrating process. I would recommend getting the approval before getting scheduled. It can lead to a huge emotional rollercoaster doing it as I did.

My surgeon requires me to complete all the pre-op apts and approval from ins co. first. as soon as i get approved a date is set. But i also heard some ppl get their date before approval.

CUNNER - why were you denied so much?

CUNNER - why were you denied so much?

My BMI is about 38. I went 1 pound below 35 in June 2008 because I was dieting and therefore did not have a 2 year history above their threshold. I did have medical records, weight watchers records etc. back as far as 2004 showing that I was well over a 35 BMI even as far back as that.

Hypercholesterolemia and GERD both of which I have been taking medication for are not considered co-morbidities by Aetna. My blood pressure is controled by medication so therefore I do not qualify under that co-morbidity. Finally my diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea of which they covered the cost of CPAP therapy they have in their medical wisdom changed the diagnosis to "snoring therapy".

I was a very frustrating process. It was if I was being punished by trying to take care of myself by seeing my doctor regularly, taking my medication and exercising.