Timing

[hopefulvspgirl 35]

I'm really, really nervous about the timing of my surgery and I could really use some encouraging words or advice.

I am currently on my parents' insurance and it covers the sleeve, but I get kicked off their insurance on November 1. My surgeon's office says I am likely to be going in for surgery in September.

My problem is that I am getting married in January (January 28th) and going on our 3 week honeymoon immediately afterwards. Is it completely insane to have surgery in September and only have 4 months post op before the wedding and honeymoon?

If I had the ability to wait for surgery, I absolutely would, but the insurance (through work) I would switch to on Nov 1 doesn't cover bariatric surgery so it is basically now or never.

[gina171 626]

I don't think it is insane at all, especially considering that your future insurance won't cover bariatrics.

Just be sure you choose a dress with simple lines that can easily be taken in. You might want to consult with a dressmaker about which styles will not tailor well, since you are likely to lose 40-60 pounds by your wedding day.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Christinamo7 4,042]

I think I would go for it! you will be so much healthier and happier at 4 months and able to enjoy your new marriage better.

and yes what @@gina171 says about the dress style.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Go for it, you'll be completely healed and feeling great by the time your wedding rolls around.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Most of us are back on regular cooked foods at four to six weeks. I agree that you need to choose a dress that can be altered easily. Congratulations.

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@hopefulvspgirl It's not crazy at all!!! 4 months will give you time to get settled with your new sleeve! You'll be starting out 2017 as a new woman!!! Good luck!

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Why can't you have surgery sooner?

At 4 months, you will be able to eat pretty decent, if you eat seafood moist foods, you should be good. You can take small sips of alcohol at your wedding toasts you should be fine.

Your dress though, that is going to be a real mess. It is not even likely they can take the dress in and keep adjusting it as you lose weight. Its is easy to drop a whole size in 7-10 days in months 3 and 4. The schedule for wedding dress alterations, means it that they will do the last alternation a month to 2 weeks before your wedding date. If you buy your dress from a shop, try to find another seamstress, hopefully a family friend, that can take it again if needed the week before the wedding.

[hopefulvspgirl 35]

@@OutsideMatchInside I would be so excited to have surgery sooner, but that's dependent upon my insurance co's timing. The coordinator at my surgery center is estimating 2 months for approval.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Have they explained to you why? My insurance approved in less than a week. The longest part of the whole process was completing the pre-op testing, and that took 4 weeks. I went from first Dr visit to surgery in 8 weeks. I wanted to have surgery at a very specific time period since I run my own business. I pushed and made my surgery happen within the time frame I wanted. If you want your surgery to happen sooner, you might be able to force it faster.

[hopefulvspgirl 35]

Wow, no she didn't explain why... This is really interesting and I will try to speed it along as best I can! I thought I was at the mercy of the insurance company, but it's encouraging to know they can reply quickly. Thank you!

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

The biggest hold up is usually your doctor office, not insurance. Since Obamacare they can't deny surgeries like they used to so as long as you meet the requirements they have to approve it, so that makes for a more streamline process, well for the good insurance companies anyway. There are a few that seem to still drag it out, like Aetna.

[NewLA 31]

I'd call your insurance company and ask what the review period time? I have Aetna and I was submitted on June 2 and approved June 14th. They have a 14 day review period per policy as long as all the documents are in.

I only had a 90 day policy to meet guidelines for insurance which what was in line with my surgeons requirements.

Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App

Edited June 19, 2016 by NewLA