I am new to this and just starting to read up on everything. I have an appointment on July 21st to meet the surgeon, I have to attend his seminar and speak to the insurance people in his office. How long does this process usually take? I have Cigna (Open access) and I have already met my deductible for the year, so I'm hoping I can get this surgery by the end of the year.... Any comments about how long it usually takes would be great!

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My surgery took 45 minutes with one night stay. Insurance approval is different for everyone. The education seminars, nutrition apps, and psychiatrist clearance usually takes 6 months. Hope this helps.

Thank You! I am just hoping that I can get the surgery done before December 31st. My deductible is $5000 and I've already met this for the year, I just hate to pay another $5000 next year. Thanks again!

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Every timeline is different. Some require 6 months of supervised diets, some have othee requirements. It all depends on your insurance and surgeon. For me my consult was in June and my sleeve was in September

I hope mine is that quick! Thank You

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Mine took 6 months of supervised diets but after that it was with in a week that I got approved....

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My insurance (Tufts) required 6 months of diet, 6 nutrition, 6 nurse practitioner visits. 10% of your body weight lost. Once sent in was approved in 5 days surgery date was 3 weeks later!!

Good luck!!

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It truly all depends on your insurance requirements. Like other's have said, some have a 6 month supervised diet, some 3 months requirement....some like mine, none at all. From the time I attended my informational seminar my surgery was done 2.5 months later.

I started the process in January and had my surgery one week ago today! Lots of prerequisites from my insurance like psych evaluation, 4x nutrition appt. 2x physical therapy, endoscopy. Chest xray, EKG, bloodwork and 2 meetings with my surgeon. Plus, dietary and nursing seminars mandated by the hospital. Lots and lots but totally worth it.

BTW, my insurance approved everything within a day which was awesome! I had no weight loss prerequisite, I just couldn't gain weight. Plus, I didn't have to do any special diet leading up to it.

I'm in the process of going thru everything now too.. I have had a few appts.. And I have more.. I'm so scared of not getting approved

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Hi, I'm scheduled for surgery on Thursday June 30th. I have

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Sorry, slip of the finger. I have Cigna, but through Medicare. My process took about 3 months(classes, appts with surgeon, cardiologist, a psychiatrist, lung specialist and sleep test). Of course it depends on individual, surgeon and how fast claims are processed. I did a lot of research on my own also. I'm sure you will be able to get it all done before the end of year.

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Wow! I wish you all the best of luck and thank you so much for responding!

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You mentioned that you had already met deductible. Have you been seeing doc for obesity related issues? I had been working with my family physician on weight loss for months before I started the process with the bariatric surgeon's office. In fact she had encouraged me to look into it. I mentioned to her that I was considering it. Because I had been seeing her for consecutive months, they let her fill out the paperwork for the five previous month's and that counted. That helped speed up the process. Good luck and hang in there.

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I met my deductible because I was hospitalized for Kidney stones, my Dr does not know I am considering WLS, she did my physical and told me that I had to lose weight but we haven't really discussed any further regarding my options. I am actually nervous to tell her. I just hope she will be on board with my decision.

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