Questions On Timeframe And Insurance

Hi All --

I am working with a surgeon's office here in Atlanta. Before he will see me to discuss options on the lap band revision, I have to get tests done on my own. He's also requesting to see all of my surgical files and follow up notes from my original surgeon. (I'm in the process of getting all that done now!)

I have a few questions, please.

1. Was there a waiting period from your insurance like we had prior to being banded? (I had a 3 month waiting period with my band)
   
2. Did you have to lose a certain amount of weight before your surgeon would perform the revision? (I had to lose 20 lbs before they would band me)
   
3. How long did your insurance company take to approve your request to have the surgery? (I have Anthem BCBS and meet the criteria of the surgery being medically necessary, but don't know how long it will take to get an approval)
   
4. How long between the time you met with your surgeon and had all pre-op tests done were you able to schedule your surgery?
   
5. What pre-op tests/procedures did you have to have prior to getting the band-to-sleeve swap?
   

I know that everyone's experience is different, I'm just trying to get a gauge for what the rest of my year will look like. :-)

I have filled out all the paperwork for the surgeon's office and had my medical records transferred (I moved states). I meet with my PCP on 8/21 and will schedule the required tests (Upper GI with a recording sent to the surgeon and chest X-Ray). My goal is to have them both completed by 9/20 so that I can see the surgeon by the end of September. Hopefully I will be approved and can schedule surgery for mid-October. I know that is wishful thinking, but it would be awesome if it happened that way!

Thanks!

Nathalie