I've been going through this process for a few months now. After having my face to face with doctor Taylor in Ypsilanti he said I would only need a few from my pcp, psychiatrist, etc... Come to find out after talking with the insurance people I had to go through a 3 month diet, with all the information and extra's. A complete psych evaluation, consult with a nutritionist, blah..blah..blah..UGH!!!!!!. So finally everything was sent in on May 11th. After reading through the posts i seen that other people with BCBS of Michigan received a answer right away, OH NOOOO, not melva....lol. So, i"m still waiting, and not patiently. I'am so ready for a new lifestyle, ready for a new healthy life period. Whelp!!! pray for me family. APPROVE...APPROVE...APPROVE!!!!!

Hi Melva,

After I met all my insurance requirements (Kaiser) I had to wait about 3 /12 weeks to hear from them with a surgery date. It is SO HARD to wait. For me, I spent a little time almost every day doing something to get ready. I bought the food items I needed post-surgery that were non-perishable and rounded up kitchen stuff I had at home that I would need for food prep. I bought just a can or bottle or two of each thing in case I didn't like them after surgery. I also bought stuff for hospital/recovery and got my clothes/house ready. It kept me busy and I was glad to have stuff done when they finally did call.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you for a quick call from them. In the meantime, here's my lists of stuff I bought or gathered:

Food Prep:

Bought:

• Small strainer for canned cream Soup
• Canned cream Soups
• sugar-free flavored drinks, such as Snapple
• Decaf tea (I like Sleepy Time - so soothing!)
• Protein powder

Gathered:

• Serving tray to hold food prep items
• Food scale
• Measuring cup with pour spout
• Small bowls that hold about 1/4-1/2 cup
• Stick blender
• Blender
• Demitasse cup and saucer and spoon
• Shot glasses
• Timer

Hospital/Recovery:

Bought:

• Nightgown
• Slippers
• Travel size lotion
• Lip balm
• New books

Gathered:

• Small travel bag and smaller toiletry bag
• Stretchy pants, comfy shoes and loose top for ride to hospital and home ( I wound up riding home in gown, robe, and slippers)
• Serving tray to hold items on bed for first couple of days.
• Kleenex
• Makeup remover face wipes (used these to clean face in hospital after surgery)
• Travel sized toothpaste
• Comb
• Robe
• Free Relaxing Surgery healing podcasts by Kaiser: https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/
• Updated Netflix movie queue and recorded movies on the DVR.

Clothing/Home Prep:

Bought:

• Stocked up on toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and makeup

Gathered:

• Moved stuff around that I might need but not be able to move or get to after surgery. For example, I moved my stretchy pants from the bottom drawer to a higher one in case i couldn't bend over for a few days. And I brought in my Easter party stuff early.
• Cleaned out seasonal clothes that will be too big when season returns.
• Washed and moved clothes that are "only a little too small" to a shopping bag and spare closet rack
• Washed blankets and throws and spring cleaned closets, bathroom, kitchen cupboards
• Paid bills as soon as they came in so bills were caught up and wouldn't be overdue if I got a quick surgery date when they called

Oh I remember the WAIT very well. I had to do 6 months worth of required nutritional visits (weigh-in, speak with a NUT, go over plans for post-surgery, etc.) plus all of the other pre-op requirements, PCP, seminar, surgeon, blood/labs, pulmonary, physch, etc. and then once everything was turned over to insurance the WAIT was killing me. UGH!

Now I'm almost 7 months post-op and I still remember the horrible wait. Your turn will come and soon you will on your way to a healthier life, it can and will happen! GOOD LUCK!

I too remember the agony of waiting. I actually called them every day to check the status. I took 3 long days for me to finally be aoproved.