I have my first appointment June 1st, honestly, I'd love to get the surgery over the summer (as this is when I have the most help/time off), But.... I doubt this is possible? I have a couple friends who had surgery with the same guy I have a consult with. (A preferred surgeon through my insurance, thus being covered at a higher rate) And she said it took 6 months. She also said if I was to be more flexible with scheduling appointments. (With nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) It could go faster. But how much faster?

@@OutsideMatchInside Oh wow! Did you go through insurance?

@@Tina4heath4ever

Yes, BCBSIL

@@OutsideMatchInside I'm not sure what that means? Blue Cross, Blue shield? What's IL? I have Blue Shield

I went from first visit to surgery in 8 weeks. Could have been sooner but holidays and vacations delayed some of the pre-op testing.

I've got a new goal then!

@@Tina4heath4ever

Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois

@@OutsideMatchInside Okay! I'm in California, wondering how different it is over here... we shall see!

@@Tina4heath4ever

It seems like most Blue Cross plans don't have the 6 month requirement.

It might move faster if you have some kind of documentation to show you already participated in 6 months of non surgical weight management... I'm hoping that how it will work for me as Summer would be the best time for me to have the surgery as well. This waiting etc.. Is so annoying, what other disease could you have that puts you through all this? I know they say because they want to see your committed to the new lifestyle etc.. Are they will going to know that in 6 months? Doubt it!!

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BCBSIL is only covering 80% for me. How did you get them to cover 100%????

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I have BCBS in NY, there require 6 months within the past two years.

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Optum/United Healthcare required the 6 mo diet but satisfying the requirement within 2 years before starting the bariatric surgery process would have been acceptable.

I have my first appointment June 1st, honestly, I'd love to get the surgery over the summer (as this is when I have the most help/time off), But.... I doubt this is possible? I have a couple friends who had surgery with the same guy I have a consult with. (A preferred surgeon through my insurance, thus being covered at a higher rate) And she said it took 6 months. She also said if I was to be more flexible with scheduling appointments. (With nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) It could go faster. But how much faster?

All depend the insurance , the doctors ,my first appointment was February 12 my last appointment was May 17 my surgery date is June 2 , I got the approved letter from my insurance two week ago , all depends

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I was told 6 months, and I'm looking at 9! I did everything asked of me within 4 weeks; labs, sleep study, got CPAP machine, support group meetings, etc., but getting appointments with the NUT 3x, getting appointment with psych (2x cancelled last minute on me,) trying to meet surgeon (he cancelled last minute on me for emergency surgery,) honestly, it's taken SO long and it's SO annoying.

I was hoping for March-June, have a tentative date (pending insurance approval -- that BCBS lost and wasted ANOTHER 3 weeks on in delays,) and now it looks like August 1st may be the date -- exactly when I didn't want it, but I'll suck it up and take it because I'm so ready to have it done.

I see some people decide to do it, bang out everything within a month, and are approved and sleeved a week later! Amazing to me! I'm totally jealous.

P.S. The ONLY bright side I see to waiting for 8/1 as a potential surgery date is that New Year's Day will be my 6-month anniversary, and I think that's a very cool date. I think starting 2017 off 60+lbs lighter will be AMAZING.

That's me making lemonade out of lemons. I'm still a totally impatient Type A person who would have preferred a random day in March, LOL.

You have the right attitude Heather I, I picked my hospital and surgeon based on reviews and also distance from my house. The surgeon has great reviews but the office staff doesn't have very good reviews and has a history of delaying the process, I almost wanted to go with a program that was farther away so i wouldn't have to deal with possible delays and frustrations. i decided to take a chance. I hope the office staff doesn't make me regret it! I am only just starting my 6 month journey. I hope you get your surgery date soon!