I am hoping to begin the approval process January 2nd. I'm wondering if the surgeons won't be backed up at the start of the year, like they are at the end of the year. I saved up my OOP for this specific reason, hoping to get this done this winter. What do you think? Think the Bariatric hospitals will have a little more space at the start of the year than they do at the end of the year?

I think approval depends on how well run your surgeon's office is RE: paperwork and your individual insurance company. Some companies will get the documentation and take their sweet time and fine tooth comb the application regardless of how busy the season is. Some will pump out your approval easy peasy. After my endoscopy, in February, I was approved in what seems like a couple of days by BCBS IL. I got a call from the surgeon's office calling to schedule my sleeve before I got the actual letter from BCBS. You might call your insurance and find out their policy on approvals.

Calling the insurance co is at the top of my list for January 2, 2015!! (That's when it goes into effect!)