Hey everyone,

I'm kinda new here. Been subscribed for a few months but I just mostly read threads to help me out. I was wondering what everyone's experience was like and how long you had to wait for your surgery date after the initial meeting with a surgeon? Any input would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance!!

Amamda729 hi have you had two surgeon consults , everyone is different I completed my first one yesterday and I am awaiting insurance approval I still have to meet with the surgeon again to sign all paperwork but it can vary depending on your program and insurances . I also had to do a 6 month weight management in which I have completed in Jan of this year.

Edited March 7, 201412 yr by Cupcake

Hi, I had my first app with the surgeon in January.she went through a series of questions about my diet, health and so on to see if I qualified for my WLS (wich I did) then proceeded on to giving me a list of tests and classes I have to take. I did finish the list .my last app is in April. After that I have to make a follow up app with the surgeon where she will give me the surgery date! So far so good!

Forgot to mention that it was a total of 3-4 month process for me

Hi everyone,

I have done a 6 month program. I've had all testing, lab work done, completed multiple different classes and support group meetings. March 4 was the end of my 6th month. I'm hoping the rest of this goes fast!

I took my time with everything but it was 9 months for me from my first appointment until my surgery. I could have sped it up and got that down to 8 but I was ok with the amount of time it took.

Anyone know how long the actual insurance approval takes? I have to lose 30 pounds before surgery which will be around April 9th. Do you think it's possible to have the surgery in April too?

Anyone know how long the actual insurance approval takes? I have to lose 30 pounds before surgery which will be around April 9th. Do you think it's possible to have the surgery in April too?

It only took a couple of days once the insurance actually got the information but it took about 3 weeks to get all the information back in forth. I have UHC. I was hoping for a Feb 13th surgery date, my final appointment was on 1/8. I ended up being offered a Feb 18th date but opted to wait till March 4. You'll probably want to stay on top of your doctor's office and your insurance to get an approval that quickly.

Anyone know how long the actual insurance approval takes? I have to lose 30 pounds before surgery which will be around April 9th. Do you think it's possible to have the surgery in April too?

It only took a couple of days once the insurance actually got the information but it took about 3 weeks to get all the information back in forth. I have UHC. I was hoping for a Feb 13th surgery date, my final appointment was on 1/8. I ended up being offered a Feb 18th date but opted to wait till March 4. You'll probably want to stay on top of your doctor's office and your insurance to get an approval that quickly.

I agree!! Stay on the doctors office as well as call your insurance company. The number is on your card and it is YOUR insurance. Sometimes you can wait on hold a bit but I spoke to them a number of times because surgeons office said one thing and insurance would say another like "we sent it to insurance" them I'd hear "we never got the information" I can't imagine how painful it would have been to sit and wait only receiving information from one side. UGH. I was told by insurance they respond within two business days once paperwork is received. Problem for me was inaccurate information was sent and I had to run circles. I did it though. I hope no one else has to deal with denials and appeals.

I agree I have jut completes my medical clearance and my insurance informed me it is a 48 hour turn around once they get the information from the doctors for approval but I would stay on it because it is important to you not them. Good luck.

My timeline w/ BCBS Anthem:

January 27th: Initial Appt w/ Surgeon

February 5th: Nutritionist meeting

February 7th: Pulm clearance appt

February 11th: Cardiac clearance appt

February 23rd: Physical Trainer appt

February 25th: Psych eval

February 27th: Paperwork to BCBS Anthem

March 7th: Insurance Approval

SURGERY: March 24th!

My first appointment w/my surgeon was in the beginning of March 2013 (I don't remember the date). My surgery was 5/30/13.

I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow and I'm hoping to get my date then too!!

Is anyone from Georgia and uses peachtree bariatrics?

I have neighborhood health plan is there anyway for me to know my surgery date ? My last app is on the 28 of April for my nutrition class

They have to send in the paper work to the insurance company and wait for their approval.