Hi All,

I started researching the LB last year and contacted the bariatric surgery center at my local hospital but was told I didn't qualify. Since the FDA lowered the requirements for LB and the billboards started popping up everywhere I decided to look in to it again. I am 41 with type II diabetes and a BMI of 34 which means I now meet the requirements. My main goal for losing the weight is not for how I look but to be able to get off my daily diabetes meds. Anyway I am rambling...my concern is how fast the process is going for me as I have been reading here on this blog about how long it is taking to get approved to just get an appointment for the consultation let alone all the testing and other pre-requirements. I have a PPO so I contacted a surgery center directly, the same day I was already pre-approved with my insurance company, two days later I had my consultation and now this weekend (1 week later) I have an appointment for my all my labs and my first sleep study. Once I do my 2nd sleep study they will submit all the information to my insurance company for final approval, which they say takes around two weeks. Has anyone else had it go this fast?

Thanks,

Gina

Woohoo! No, usually the only people that get their operation this quick are self pay. Good for you, and good luck. If I could ever talk my husband into the surgery, he would have to be a quick acceptance, too, as he would be to impatient to have to do a 6 month diet.

I really don't think I would worry about it being too fast. If you're commited to doing it then I say all systems go!

Woohoo! No, usually the only people that get their operation this quick are self pay. Good for you, and good luck. If I could ever talk my husband into the surgery, he would have to be a quick acceptance, too, as he would be to impatient to have to do a 6 month diet.

Thanks for the feedback! I would be impatient too if I had to do a 6 month diet.

I really don't think I would worry about it being too fast. If you're commited to doing it then I say all systems go!

I am really excited! I am so glad, I am not being stalled by my insurance.

You are lucky to move that quickly. I've heard that some insurance require you to do a 6 month diet as well as other appts/labs. There are some that automatically qualify you on your BMI and any related health conditions. It can also depend on how long it takes the doctors staff to submit everything. So congrats to you, seems like you got lucky with your insurance and with the doctors staff.

The entire process, from initial referral from my dr to my surgery date took a month and a week, and that's only because I had them push back surgery because I wasn't mentally prepared at the time. It can be a little daunting, believe me, and part of me wishes I had a few more requirements beforehand, but I don't regret my decision one bit. My surgeon is a Center of Excellence and he and his staff have been wonderful. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner!