I am in the process of going from band to sleeve. My doctor’s office here in Houston told me they had to verify my insurance, two weeks later they did and now I have a doctor’s appointment with my surgeon June 4. I had the band back in 2005, I am filled to capacity and can still eat without feeling full or barfing, but what’s confusing to me is this; I thought you visit the surgeon first before they go to your insurance company. Can anyone please remind me of the process because I am lost?

My surgeon's office said that to me too when I called to make my first appointment. All they were doing was just verifying that my insurance does cover the surgery. Once I had the appointment with the surgeon, their insurance specialist also met with me and told me what things my insurance company needs for me to do first before sending my information to the insurance company for approval. I needed to see a nutritionist and a psychologist. Once I did that, the surgeon sent my documentation to my insurance company to request approval for my surgery. They say it takes about 2 weeks to hear back. I couldn't wait any longer after 4 days and called my insurance company to confirm that they had gotten my paperwork and found out that they did approve! Good luck!

My surgeon's office said that to me too when I called to make my first appointment. All they were doing was just verifying that my insurance does cover the surgery. Once I had the appointment with the surgeon, their insurance specialist also met with me and told me what things my insurance company needs for me to do first before sending my information to the insurance company for approval. I needed to see a nutritionist and a psychologist. Once I did that, the surgeon sent my documentation to my insurance company to request approval for my surgery. They say it takes about 2 weeks to hear back. I couldn't wait any longer after 4 days and called my insurance company to confirm that they had gotten my paperwork and found out that they did approve! Good luck!

Awesome thanks so much for the info, I have BCBS hoping there's not a long wait for the approval