:rolleyes I go day after tomorrow for the information seminar; I also contacted my insurance and they do cover weight loss surgery. My doctor has written an awesome letter explaining the medical necessity for this surgery. I have also already visited a dietician. I am 5'2" and 221 lbs. and I would like to know what is usually the length of time between onset and the actual surgery. I know everyone is different but just generally speaking.

What surgeon are you interested in? I am also in the Tennessee/Kentucky area. Well, in grad school in Kentucky right now, but I am from Tennessee and will be having surgery in Memphis (hopefully).

Well, there is some medical testing that is required as part of the process to get your pre-certification letter from the insurance company. It varies a bit from doc to doc and how long it takes depends on what your doc requires and how available medical services are in your area. In a larger city, you can probably get everything done and submitted to the insurance company withing 2-4 weeks. Then they can take 30 days before they make a determination of medical necessity.

If you have to appeal - it takes time to prepare and time for them to review... So, basically, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months or so... assuming you don't need to fill some "medically supervised diet" condition.

For me, it was the 4 month thing. I had to fight tooth and nail to get insurance approval - but the State Insurance Board saw it my way.

Others on this board have gotten their test, submitted everthing and been laid out on the table within 3 weeks. There is just no telling.

Prepare for the worst - but hope for the best.

Good Luck!!

thank you, Laurend, for replying; I am very excited about this surgery; I have waited a long time to be in "ladies' sizes". I 'll keep posting.

Hi all,

I live near Memphis and know some of the docs there. I can tell you who I've heard is good and who isn't if interested.

I'm banded and would love some support. I know there are groups that meet around here, but haven't really looked as hard as I should into that.

Good luck to you.

Jewel

DOB 9/13/06

218/186/140

Dr Ortiz, TJ, Mx

Wow things are so different from place to place. Here in NY it was a six month process of seminars, exams, nutritionist, losing 10% of weight, psych consult, etc. Very strict, any weight gain they'll cancel your surgery. Best of luck hope your process goes smoothly.

I'm in SC -- unoffically, my insurance will approve AFTER a 6-mos medically-supervised wt-loss program. (BOO- HISS). com'on !! I've been medically supervised on MANY diets, starting in 12th grade. I have a 45+ year history of wt re-gaining. Too bad THAT doesn't count. I was really hoping to get going quickly now that I made the decision.

I'm not sure, Laurend, about the doctor- I am going to the Centennial Medical Center seminar tomorrow at 10:00

It took me 6-8 weeks before I could have my surgery. Mostly because I had to deal with the insurance company. good luck.

I'm not sure, Laurend, about the doctor- I am going to the Centennial Medical Center seminar tomorrow at 10:00

Well, Hugh Houston is the most experienced lap-band surgeon at Centennial. I am pretty sure he is the only one there that has enough experience doing the surgeries to be considered an "expert" by the manufacturer of the band. I was originally going to be using Dr. Olsen at Centennial as my surgeon, but he wasn't in-network.