My pre-surgery process

[Richard15 14]

I thought I'd come out of hiding and make my first post. I have found it very helpful to read about the various processes people must go through prior to surgery. So I thought I'd share mine.

• May 23rd (While camping memorial day weekend) I told my wife that I was curious to learn more about weight loss surgery options. I was expecting her to be hesitant about the idea, but to my surprise she was open to learning more about it.
• June 6th we attended a wight loss surgery seminar at our local hospital. I went in completely closed to the idea of anything except the lap-band procedure. After talking with the surgeon and several others in attendance I left feeling not only comfortable with the idea of a sleeve, but excited at the opportunity.
• That same day I met with the insurance specialist at the surgical weight loss clinic and got my "to do" list of things I needed to do for approval. I was pleased to find out that my insurance (BCBS of MI PPO) normally requires a 6 month supervised weight loss program prior to approval. But if your BMI is over 50 the 6 month waiting period is waived. My BMI was 51 so no waiting for me. I guess that extra cookie paid off!
• The checklist of things required prior for approval included a letter of recommendation from my primary care doctor, blood work, a physical, psych evaluation, appointment with a dietitian, attend a surgical weight loss support group, and a precautionary endoscopy. The support group and endoscopy were required by the surgeon/clinic (not insurance).
• June 23rd I got my physical, blood work and letter of recommendation taken care of.
• July 7th I had my psych evaluation.
• July 14th I had my dietitian appointment.
• July 21st I attended the support group. I'm glad I did too. It's always nice meeting people going through the same stuff.
• August 7th I had my endoscopy.
• August 14th I received medical clearance and my list of required documents was sent to my insurance for approval.
• August 21st (today) insurance approved my surgery and I have officially been scheduled for September 15th
• I am thrilled to finally have the surgery on the calendar! From the time I initially inquired about weight loss surgery, to the actual surgery was about 3 months.

[Twinmomma422 54]

My story is very similar. My first appointment with my bariatric dr was June 16th. I have BCBS of IL. I did all my prerequisites pretty much all the ones you mentioned and just got my surgery date of 9-9-15!! Good luck and a fast recovery to you!!

[pindoctor 49]

Wow you guys are fast. I wasn't in a big rush and attended my first weight loss seminar last Oct 2014. My insurance company required 3 month preauth period which I decided to extend to 6 mo so I could make sure I was making the right decision and could attend all the pre-op classes. My surgery scheduled for Sept 2 but I'm still waiting for insurance preauth clearance. Hope to hear from you all.

[WorkinOnMe 597]

Congrats to you all! You'll soon be joining us all on the losers bench ... and it is a great place to be! I am almost 4 mos post-op, down 84 lbs and at least 5 sizes. Truly, this has been the best decision of my life (aside from marrying my best friend). It hasn't always been easy, but I promise it is worth it!!!

[Richard15 14]

Thanks guys. I'll be following your process too. :-)

[Twinmomma422 54]

I figured the sooner the better no need to put it off. I have three young boys to take care of and I wanted to get healthier as fast as I could for them. I was lucky enough to not have to do a 3 or 6 month supervised diet. I wish I would have started a little sooner so I could have done it during the summer but I'm just thankful that I'm allowed to do it at all

[Richard15 14]

Yeah I'm anxious. Plus I have a twenty year class reunion next summer that I'm all the sudden optimistically excited to attend.

[ExcitedNana 30]

I'm glad I found this site. My surgery is scheduled for 9-2-15. This is only day 2 of liquid diet and I have a killer of a headache. Hopefully tomorrow it will be better. This is an exciting time. Good luck to everyone.

[cjnorris 103]

Congratulations...

[Wendyfm 494]

Wow! You're efficient! It took me about a year to be ready for surgery. Congratulations and good luck!

[kimmyco 247]

Good luck. Best decision of my life. I was self pay so I had my surgery within two weeks of my first appointment. September 25th will be one year for me and I couldn't be happier. I didn't start with a high bmi, technically, but I am down 77 pounds. Year appointment next month goal is to be to my goal weight which is just 10 more pounds. Will be 135 then. Enjoy the amazing tool you are about to receive. It is definitely a life changer.

Edited August 24, 2015 by kimmyco

[pindoctor 49]

I am all scheduled for Sept 2 and on Day 6 of 2 week liquid diet. I'm still waiting for my insurance approval. Don't know why it is taking so long. The lady who handles the approvals for my surgeon says that all others with my insurance have been approved. This makes me nervous!