Hi all, I just found this board while conducting an exhaustive search online. There is so much information here, and I want to thank you for it. I have a question, and I am hoping that you all can help me.

Has anyone been able to travel from approval to surgery in less than 12 months? My insurance company is in the process of approving the Lap Band procedure. Considering that I have Type II Diabetes, PCOS, depression, and Sleep Apnea, my insurance company insists that I have a 99% chance of being approved. My issue is, that I am over my out of pocket maximum for the year (surprise, considering that I have a thousand things wrong with me), and if I can get the procedure performed before the end of the year, I won't have to pay a cent. But if I wait, I will have to pay a ton of money. Has anyone had any success in getting the procedure in two months or less? Any doc recommendations? I already have my primary docs approval, and a therapist documentation. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!! :faint:

I supose it would depend on how busy your surgeon is. I had my last doctor visit (had to have 6 months of pcp visits) on Oct. 11, 2006, I had my insurance approval Nov. 11, 2006 and had my surgery Dec.11, 2006 - 1 month from the day of approval. But like I said it will depend on how busy your doctor is and how soon he can get you in. During the 6 months prior to approval I took care of all my other visits, pysch, nutrionist, sleep study, and pre-op testing.

I got approved in less than 2months and didn't have to do the 1year diet BUT---- I have a very large hernia and my dr really fighted like -ell to get done within a 3months time zone. I would call your dr office and explain to them your situation and maybe they will push it for you.

For me it was almost a month exactly from my first phone call to surgery. Insurance paid all but $100. Be sure to check out the Insurance forum here too!

I am a selfpay bandster, but I just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world getting it through in time.

NIna xx